For many, the end of the third trimester can be tough and not just because of there’s a baby growing in their belly. Not knowing when you’ll see your little one is just as challenging. The truth is that we don’t know why labour starts or exactly when, but there are some signs that indicate it is approaching. What you should keep an eye out for!

1. First contractions
You may have felt contractions early in your pregnancy. They can be experienced differently from woman to woman, but are described as a tension or mild pain that spreads from the top of the uterus downwards. What differentiates contractions from first contractions is that they are often experienced as more painful and that they last longer. It is also common to feel pressure downward or behind the lower back. When these contractions start to become more regular, you enter the so-called latent phase, which is also the first stage of labour.

2. Bloody show
When the cervix begins to open, the blood vessels in the cervix can burst. This leads to so-called bloody show and can be a sign that childbirth is close. If you notice bleeding, you should always contact your chosen delivery unit!

3. Mucus plug
During pregnancy, the mucus plug forms in the cervix to seal the entrance to the uterus and protect it. The loosening of the mucus plug is therefore a sign that labour is close, but it may take another 1-2 weeks before labour starts.

The mucus plug can loosen when the cervix begins to mature, which it does gradually at the end of pregnancy. It appears as a thick and sticky vaginal discharge, often with a brown or pink tint. If the mucus plug comes in conjunction with labour pains, it is a sure sign that labour is just around the corner, but it can still take days before labour starts. You do not need to call the maternity ward if the mucus plug comes out.

4. Water’s breaking
If the amniotic membranes rupture, you will notice that water seeps out or appears as a “splash”. If your waters break, you should always contact your maternity ward, so you can come in for a check-up to determine that it is definitely amniotic fluid. This can be difficult to distinguish from urine leakage or heavy discharge, which is very common in late pregnancy.

If your contractions have not started when your water breaks, you will have to go back home and wait for them to start. It is common for the pain to start within two days. If they do not start, you will be offered an appointment for to induce labour.

5. Portio vaginalis open
The portio vaginalis leads from the uterus to the vagina and as labour approaches, this becomes softer. To be able to give birth to a child, the opening of the cervix needs to be larger. We usually say 10 centimetres is needed for the baby to be able to get down into the vagina and be pushed out. If you do a membrane sweep around your due date or later, your midwife will feel if the portio vaginalis has softened and started to open. However, it is not always possible to do a membrane sweep as the cervix needs to be reasonably mature (soft) and the midwife needs to be able to get two fingers in.

6. Visiting the toilet
You might have heard that it is common to go to the toilet a lot when you’re about to give birth? This is partly to make room for the baby to be born. So, if your visits to the toilet become more frequent, it could be a sign that labour is approaching!

7. Baby dropping
Has your abdomen dropped lower down? It could mean that labour is near! At the end of the pregnancy, the uterus drops as the baby begins to get ready to enter the world, which is also visible in your belly.