Labour & Birth
Trying to determine whether you are in labour can be rather confusing, especially when you have never had a baby before. Some women have likened the onset of labour as feeling like they really need to go to the toilet.

Listed below are some signs that may indicate you're in labour:
• The Show (a white or pink mucus discharge) this is the plug of mucus that seals your cervix during pregnancy. Usually the show signals dilation of the cervix close to labour, although it may dislodge up to two weeks before labour begins.
• Diarrhea and vomiting.
• Your waters break.
• You feel a 'nesting instinct' and the need to clean or make final preparations for your baby's arrival. Although try to conserve your energy as you will need it for labour.
• You start to feel premenstrual.
• Contractions start.

When you go into labour you will need to:
•Call your lead maternity care giver
•Call your partner
•If you have children call someone to come and look after them if it isn't your partner
•Call the hospital to find out it your room is ready
•Get your hospital/labour/baby bags out/ready

Once you have contacted your Care Giver he or she will assess the dilation of your cervix and check your blood pressure, temperature and pulse. From here your Care Giver will guide you as to when you should be going to hospital (or getting ready if you are planning a home birth).

If you have birth plan now would be the time to refer to it (see our birth plan guide)...and to start packing if you haven't already - your labour and hospital bag (see Bags to Pack).

You may also want to check out our Post Natal Care pages under our section for 'mum'.