Variations of Labour and Birth

Home/Labour & Birth/Variations of Labour and Birth

Predicting when your labour will start is tricky but there are some general signs of early labour that tell you your body is making preparations for your baby to be born. After 36 weeks, irregular contractions (more than 5 minutes apart), spotting (brown or mucous-like blood discharge) or low back pain are healthy signs that your body is preparing for birth. Seeing these signs means it is time to rest and restore yourself for active labour to begin within hours or days. Although you may be excited that your baby is on the way, it's best to stay at home and carry out activities or rest until labour is active.

Active labour is when contractions become more intense and your internal genitalia/cervix (opening to your womb) begins to open up for the baby to move down. Active labour means having contractions 5 minutes apart or less, counted from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next and progressive internal genitalia/cervical dilation. Active labour is a good time to reach out to your health care provider to confirm if labour is underway. Your midwife may come over, or it might be time for you to go to the hospital or birth centre to be examined.

Warning: if you have bright red bleeding (with or without contractions) or if you suspect your membranes have ruptured (your waters have broken), or if you have strong or regular contractions before 36 weeks, or if your baby is moving less than usual, you should call your health care provider right away. These situations require monitoring and your caregiver will help you plan next steps.

Check out the links below for more information on the common signs of labour, tips for you and your support partner and when to contact your health care provider.