Many people feel like baby is about to come as soon as they start getting contractions. Especially as the contractions in early labour often seem far too painful to possibly not be “real” labour.

For other people they wonder if they are in labour at all or just imagining things in their desire to finally be in labour.

Early signs of labour can include:

• Persistent lower back pain with period like cramping pains
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Your waters breaking
• Contractions which are regular, increase in frequency and increase in pain
• A “show”. This is a bloody mucus discharge which is the plug which blocks the entrance to the cervix during pregnancy.

Final note: These signs can happen immediately before the onset of established labour or can make an appearance days or even weeks before labour kicks in. Do not be embarrassed if you rush to hospital only to be sent home. Most pregnant women will have a false labour before the big day and doctors and midwives are used to this. They will not think badly of you for getting checked out.