Labour & birth
How do I know I am in labour?
Regular, painful contractions that get stronger, longer and closer together — often with a show or waters breaking.
Early labour contractions may be irregular and 10 or more minutes apart. Established labour usually means contractions every 3 to 5 minutes, each lasting about a minute, that you cannot talk through.
Other signs are a bloody or mucus show, low backache and pressure, or your waters breaking.
What you can do
- Time your contractions from the start of one to the start of the next
- Eat, drink and rest in early labour
- Have your bag and transport plan ready
When to seek care
- Contractions before 37 weeks
- Waters breaking with green or brown fluid
- Heavy bleeding or reduced movements
Go in immediately if your waters break, you bleed, movements reduce, or contractions start before 37 weeks.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.