What is early labour?
Early labour is the first phase of labour. It’s when your body is warming up for the main event. It can last hours to a couple of days, especially if it’s your first baby.
Common signs & symptoms
1. Contractions
Feel like period cramps, lower back ache, or tightness across the belly
Start irregular and usually mild
May come every 10–30 minutes
Often ease with rest, hydration, or a warm shower
👉 Early labour contractions don’t get intense quickly like active labour ones do.
2. Backache
A dull, persistent ache in the lower back
Can come and go or feel constant
3. Pelvic pressure
Sensation of heaviness or pressure low down
Feeling like baby is “dropping”
4. Changes in vaginal discharge
Increased mucus
You might lose the mucus plug (clear, pink, or blood-tinged)
Losing it doesn’t mean labour is immediate—it can still be days away
5. “Bloody show”
Light bleeding mixed with mucus
Usually a sign the cervix is starting to open
6. GI symptoms
Nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
(This happens because your body is clearing space for labour)
7. Emotional changes
Burst of energy (“nesting”) or
Feeling emotional, restless, or unusually calm and focused
What early labour usually isn’t
Strong, regular contractions every 3–5 minutes
Needing to stop and breathe through each contraction
Intense pressure or urge to push
(Those point more toward active labour)
What you can do during early labour
Rest and sleep when you can
Eat light, easy-to-digest foods
Drink plenty of fluids
Warm shower or bath
Gentle walking or stretching
Time contractions occasionally, but don’t obsess
Call your midwife or go to hospital if:
Contractions become regular, stronger, and closer together
Your waters break
You have bright red bleeding
Baby’s movements decrease
You feel something just isn’t right (trust that instinct)
If you want, tell me:
How far along you are
What symptoms you’re feeling right now
