Labour, Birth and Straight After
Labour, Birth and Straight After
Every woman’s/birthing parent’s experience of labour is different. But there are several signs to look out for that may suggest your labour is starting. You may experience:
- A ‘show’ – this is a pinky/brown jelly like mucus plug that comes away from your cervix as it starts to prepare for birth.
- Tummy pain – this can feel like strong period pains and will come and go and be the start of contractions.
- Pain/achy feeling in your lower back.
- The need to open your bowels. This is because the baby’s head presses on your bowel.
- Your waters may break – this can be in a big gush or may just be a trickle of water, a constant dampness or change in your vaginal discharge.
If you experience any of these signs or anything that is concerning, you please call the 24 hour Call a Midwife Advice Line on 0300 123 5473 and they will be able to advise you what to do.
It is very important you call for advice straight away if you experience any vaginal bleeding, any change in your baby’s movements, if your waters break or if the amniotic fluid changes to a green or brown colour.