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You’re unlikely to mistake the signs of labour when the time comes, but if you’re in any doubt, don't hesitate to contact your doctor.

Signs that labour is beginning
Regular contractions
During a contraction, your abdomen gets tight and then relaxes. You may have had these throughout your pregnancy, particularly towards the end. Before labour, these are called Braxton Hicks contractions. When you're having regular contractions that last more than 30 seconds and begin to feel stronger, labour may have started. Your contractions will become longer, stronger and more frequent.

Other signs of labour
You may or may not also have the following signs:

• Backache or the aching, heavy feeling that some women get with their monthly period.
• A 'show' either before labour starts, or early in labour. The plug of mucus in the cervix, which has helped to seal the womb during pregnancy, comes away and out of the vagina. This small amount of sticky pink mucus is called a 'show'. You lose a small amount of blood with a show, mixed with mucus. If you're losing more blood, it may be a sign that something is wrong, so telephone your hospital or doctor straight away.
• Your waters breaking. The bag of water surrounding your baby may break before labour starts. To prepare for this, you could keep a sanitary pad (not a tampon) handy if you’re going out, and put a plastic sheet on your bed. If your waters break before labour starts, you'll notice either a slow trickle from your vagina, or a sudden gush of water that you can’t control. Phone your doctor when this happens.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.