Free family guide · Getting ready for birth

Signs of labor

MedlinePlus does not give one rule for when to go to the hospital, and says to follow your provider's instructions.[1]

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Sources on this page: MedlinePlus; NHS

This page shares what health organizations say. It is not medical advice. It is general information. Talk to your doctor, midwife or pediatrician about your own situation.

In an emergency, call 911.

Signs labor is near

MedlinePlus lists these signs that labor is near:[1]

  • the baby dropping lower, called lightening;[1]
  • bloody show;[1]
  • the water breaking;[1]
  • diarrhea;[1]
  • an urge to get the home ready, called nesting.[1]

The NHS lists these signs of labor:[2]

  • contractions or tightenings;[2]
  • a show, which is sticky mucus that may be yellow or bloody;[2]
  • backache;[2]
  • an urge to go to the toilet;[2]
  • the waters breaking.[2]

True or false contractions

MedlinePlus says true labor contractions come at regular times, get closer together and stronger, and do not stop with activity.[1] It says Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and do not change the cervix.[1]

The NHS says real contractions hurt as your belly tightens and ease as the muscles relax.[3]

When to call

Sources differ

Sources describe when to call in labor in different ways:[4][1]

  • The NHS says to call when contractions last at least 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes, or any time you are worried.[4]
  • MedlinePlus says to contact your provider for regular, painful contractions every 5 to 10 minutes for 60 minutes.[1]

MedlinePlus says to contact your provider for:[1]

  • leaking fluid;[1]
  • less movement from the baby;[1]
  • bleeding that is more than spotting.[1]

The NHS says waters breaking can be a trickle, and to call your midwife, because induction may be needed due to the risk of infection.[4]

MedlinePlus does not give one rule for when to go to the hospital, and says to follow your provider's instructions.[1]

With a first baby

The NHS says the first stage of labor, until the cervix is about 10 cm open, lasts 6 to 12 hours.[5] It says pushing can take up to 3 hours with a first baby, or 2 hours after a previous birth, and the placenta usually comes within 30 minutes.[5]

Its tips for early labor include sleeping if it starts at night, staying upright and active by day, a warm bath, breathing and light snacks.[3]

Before 37 weeks

MedlinePlus says labor that starts before 37 completed weeks is preterm labor.[6]

Questions families ask

How do I know labor has started?

MedlinePlus says true labor contractions come at regular times, get closer together and stronger, and do not stop with activity.[1]

When should I go to the hospital?

MedlinePlus does not give one rule for when to go to the hospital, and says to follow your provider's instructions.[1]

How long does labor take with a first baby?

The NHS says the first stage lasts 6 to 12 hours, and pushing can take up to 3 hours with a first baby.[5]

Free from UpOnly Learning. Written for families of every faith. No outside ads and no affiliate links. Every fact on this page comes from the sources listed below. How we source and review these pages

Updated 2026-10-24: first published.

Sources

All sources were opened and checked on the date shown.

  1. MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Am I in labor?. Checked October 24, 2026.
  2. NHS (United Kingdom). 37 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  3. NHS (United Kingdom). 40 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  4. NHS (United Kingdom). 39 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  5. NHS (United Kingdom). 36 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  6. MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Preterm Labor. Checked October 24, 2026.