Signs of labour and when to contact for advice

Giving birth is different for everyone and nobody has the same experience.

Usually, your labour will build up slowly and gently. This is often called the ‘latent phase’ of labour. The labour pains (contractions) will not be strong or frequent enough to push the baby through the birth canal. The latent phase of labour can sometimes last for many hours before it becomes established (although you will have long periods of rest between pains).

You should think about contacting the hospital/birth centre/homebirth team when your contractions are happening often and regularly increasing in strength and length. This is usually when the regular contractions of established labour last for 40 to 60 seconds and are 2 to 5 minutes apart.

You are strongly advised to call the hospital if:

• you think your waters may have broken
• you have a fresh, red blood loss (that is different to a ‘mucus show’)
• your baby’s movements are reduced or the pattern has changed
• you have started labour before 37 weeks
• you have any concerns about yourself or your baby

Usually, and particularly when you are having your first baby, the average length of established labour (when contractions are regular and strong) lasts between 12 to 16 hours.

Please call the place of birth you have chosen (hospital/birth centre/homebirth team) for advice if you are unsure when to attend in labour.

Useful links

• Health for Under 5s- Recognising labour and giving birth