“How will I know it has started?” — every first-time mother asks, and the honest answer is: your body will tell you, more clearly than you expect. Here is how to read the signals and when to actually leave for the hospital.
Early Signs Labour Is Approaching
In the days before labour, you may notice the baby “dropping” lower, a burst of nesting energy, loose motions, mild backache, and the loss of the mucus plug — a jelly-like discharge, sometimes blood-tinged (“the show”). These say labour is coming, not that it has begun; no rush yet.
True vs False Labour
Braxton Hicks practice contractions tighten irregularly and fade if you rest, walk or drink water. True labour contractions are different in three ways: they come at regular intervals, they get progressively stronger, longer and closer together, and they continue no matter what you do. When in doubt, time them for an hour — pattern is everything.
Go to the Hospital When
- Contractions follow the 5-1-1 rule: five minutes apart, lasting one minute, for one hour (first babies often allow this much time; for second babies, leave earlier).
- Your water breaks — a gush or a steady trickle — even without contractions. Note the time and the colour of the fluid; greenish fluid means go immediately.
- Any fresh bleeding beyond light spotting.
- Baby’s movements reduce noticeably at any point.
- Severe continuous pain that is different from contraction waves.
While You Labour at Home
Early labour can last hours — at home is genuinely the more comfortable place for it. Walk, shower, breathe slowly, eat light (khichdi, toast, fruit), rest between contractions, and keep your phone charged. Have someone stay with you once contractions are regular.
For the Family
Keep the car fuelled and the route planned from week 36, including a night-time option. Know which hospital entrance to use after hours. And remember the golden rule of labour transport: calm driver, supported mother, no drama. Hospitals would always rather see you early than late — if instinct says go, go.
