Signs of Labour: When to Go to the Hospital
Maternity · Late pregnancy
As your due date approaches, every twinge can make you wonder whether this is it. Knowing the signs of labour, and when to leave home, helps you stay calm and arrive at the right time. In Lagos, where traffic can turn a short trip into a long one, planning your journey is part of the plan.
Quick Answer
Labour usually starts with regular contractions that become longer, stronger and closer together. Many doctors advise first-time mothers to come in when contractions are about five minutes apart, last about a minute and have followed that pattern for an hour. Come in straight away if your waters break, you bleed, your baby moves less, or your doctor has given you different advice.
Early signs that labour is starting
- Regular contractions that tighten across your bump and come at a steady rhythm
- A show, which is a small amount of sticky, pink or brown-tinged mucus
- Your waters breaking, felt as a trickle or a gush of fluid
- Lower back ache or a heavy, cramping feeling like strong period pain
- An urge to open your bowels as your baby moves lower
Real labour or practice contractions?
Practice contractions, often called Braxton Hicks, are common in the last weeks of pregnancy. They tend to be irregular, do not get stronger and often ease when you rest, change position or drink water. Real labour contractions keep coming, grow more intense and move closer together whatever you do.
How to time your contractions
- Note the time when a contraction starts.
- Note when it ends to see how long it lasts.
- Measure from the start of one contraction to the start of the next to see how far apart they are.
- Write the times down or use a contraction timer app so you can tell your doctor exactly what is happening.
Come to the hospital straight away if
You have bleeding from the vagina; your waters break, especially if the fluid is green, brown or smells unusual; your baby is moving less than usual; you have a severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet; you have constant severe tummy pain; you have a fever; or you have regular contractions before 37 weeks.
Plan your journey before the day
- Save the hospital number in your phone and in your partner’s phone.
- Plan two routes to the hospital and think about night-time and rush-hour traffic.
- Keep fuel in the car from about 36 weeks, and arrange back-up transport.
- Keep your hospital bag and antenatal records by the door.
If you live in Surulere, Pako Aguda, Ijeshatedo or nearby parts of the Lagos Mainland, our two branches are close at hand, and our emergency department is open 24 hours a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I eat during early labour?
Light snacks and plenty of fluids are usually fine in early labour, but follow the advice of your own doctor.
What if my waters break but I have no contractions?
Call the hospital. Your care team will usually want to check you and your baby, even if contractions have not started.
Is it normal to feel unsure whether I am in labour?
Yes, very normal. If you are unsure, call us. It is always better to check than to wait at home worrying.
How long does early labour last?
It varies a great deal. For first babies, early labour can last many hours. Your doctor will guide you on when to come in.
Your next step
If you are in the last weeks of pregnancy and want to talk through your birth plan or warning signs, our maternity team is here for you, day and night.
Related reading
- How to Choose a Maternity Hospital in Lagos: 10 Questions to Ask
- How to Prepare for Your First Antenatal Appointment in Lagos
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances. In an emergency, call the hospital on 0802 306 0423 or the Lagos State emergency lines 112 or 767.
