One of the first signs that labour may soon be starting is a “show”. This is a blood stained mucous plug which is passed out of the vagina when your cervix (the neck of the womb) begins to change. This is not a reliable sign and not all women see this. For those women who do see a “show” labour may be as much as two weeks away.

The most common indication that labour has begun is the start of contractions. These can range in intensity from mild irritation to strong pain and may be felt down in your back or like waves moving across your abdomen. It is important to time how often these come and for how long they last. When contractions are regular (coming every 5-10 minutes), and lasting 45-60 seconds, we would advise you to call the delivery suite, or the midwives for advice before coming into hospital. Do bear in mind the distance you live from the hospital.

If you have already had a baby, the next birth may be quicker than the first. If your waters break, this may also be a sign that you are going into labour. But it can often happen before your labour starts, when you are not having contractions. Sometimes this can be confused with a loss of urine. If your waters break you may need to be seen and assessed by a midwife.

Always contact the delivery suite, or the midwives, if you feel your waters may have broken.

Call the Midwives or Delivery Suite if:

• You think you are in labour
• Your waters may have broken
• You have any vaginal bleeding
• Contractions are regular, every 5-10 minutes
• You are worried that your baby is not moving as much as usual
• You have any other anxieties or queries.

Important Numbers Main Hospital Switchboard – 020 7580 4400

Midwife Led Delivery Service – 020 7390 6344

Delivery Suite – 020 7390 8274/8395

For a list of other useful contact details for The Portland Hospital, please click HERE.