What are the signs that labor has started?
Regular contractions, losing the mucus plug, water breaking: how to tell real labor apart from false alarms.
The most reliable sign of true labor is regular contractions that gradually become more frequent, longer, and more intense, and that don't stop when you change position or move around — unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, which are often irregular and ease up with rest.
Other signs can accompany the start of labor: losing the mucus plug (a thick discharge, sometimes tinged with blood), a stronger feeling of pelvic pressure, or persistent low back pain that comes and goes in waves.
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The water breaking (rupture of membranes) can happen before, during, or after contractions start — sometimes as a sudden gush, sometimes as a steady trickle. Either way, it's recommended to contact your healthcare provider as soon as it happens.
As a general rule, many providers suggest heading to your place of birth once contractions are coming at a regular interval of about 5 minutes apart, lasting about 60 seconds each, for at least an hour — but always follow the specific guidance from your own care team, which may vary based on your situation.
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This information is general and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional (doctor, midwife, nurse, pharmacist). Every situation is unique: always check with them before making a decision. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.
