Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labour checklist
You probably think it’ll be obvious when you go into labour, but every mom’s labour is different and it usually doesn’t happen like you’ve seen in movies. Here are a few signs of labour to look out for.
- Regular contractions or tightenings. They might feel like really intense period pains.
- Regular, painful contractions that occur regularly and become more frequent, longer, and of stronger intensity.
- Backache—contractions don’t just happen in in the bump area.
- Passing of the mucus plug or what is called a “bloody show” which is a brownish, blood-tinged mucus discharge.
- A sudden urge to use the restroom. This is caused by the baby’s head pressing down on your bowel.
- Your water breaking. This doesn’t always happen before labour. But if it does call the hospital or your healthcare provider as soon as you can.
- Call the hospital if you’re unsure or worried about anything. The labour and delivery team will be able to provide you with the best advice.
- Don’t forget to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go! See our checklist of essentials to include.
Sources:
Health Link BC. Labour and Delivery. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tn9759. Accessed August 2020.
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Pregnancy Info: Labour 101. https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/birth/labour/labour-101/ Accessed August 2020.
Related articles
Your hospital bag checklist
Not sure what to pack in your hospital bag? We have put together a simple hospital bag checklist with all the essentials.
3 mins to read
Your checklist of prenatal testing questions
Baby health checks start before they’re even born. Here are some questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider about prenatal testing.
1 min to read
C-section recovery: Things to think about
As with any surgery, C-section recovery takes time and self-care. Here are some things to have in mind to help you heal, from C-section recovery time to cleaning C-section incisions.
3 mins to read
Breastfeeding essentials
Planning to breastfeed but not sure what you’ll need? Here is a list of our first-time breastfeeding tips to help you prepare.
2 mins to read
Questions to ask at your 12-week ultrasound
Finally, your 12-week ultrasound is here! This pregnancy ultrasound is an important one and is the most accurate way to estimate your baby’s due date.
2 mins to read
Getting baby’s nursery ready
New parents may not know that safest place for baby to sleep for the first six months is in their bedroom and in a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets current Canadian safety regulations.
3 mins to read
Your Maternity Leave and Parental Leave checklist
It might seem a while away, but ahead of the arrival of the new addition to your family, it’s a good idea to begin preparations towards your leave and to find out what you are entitled to.
2 mins to read
How to deal with morning sickness at the start of pregnancy
Morning sickness can strike at any time of day or night, especially at the start of pregnancy.
2 mins to read
Taking baby out for the first time guide
Taking baby out for the first time can be daunting. This checklist should help make it easy for all your baby friendly days out.
2 mins to read
Baby names help
Need inspiration for baby names? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favourite name, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet baby face-to-face.
2 mins to read
How to cope with first trimester anxiety
Suffering from first trimester anxiety? You’re not alone, 1 in 10 pregnant women experience this pregnancy symptom in their first trimester. Here’s how to keep the feelings under control.
2 mins to read
Planning a baby shower checklist
A new arrival is definitely an excuse for a party.
2 mins to read
Working out your birth plan
Giving birth is less daunting if you have a birth plan prepared to help the day go as smoothly as possible. See our birth plan guide below.
2 mins to read
Questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment
Your first prenatal appointment is here! With so much going on, it helps to have a list of pregnancy questions on hand to ask your healthcare provider.
2 mins to read
How to cope with pregnancy pains and discomfort
As your body changes, pregnancy pains and discomfort can occur, especially in your back, legs and feet. The good news is, there are ways to ease your pregnancy aches and pains.
2 mins to read
What to expect at 5 month of pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 18-22. A month of finishing touches for the baby.
3 mins to read
39-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
You might have felt a few contractions already and were wondering if that was “it”. Don’t worry, you won’t miss the start of labour! Read more about the 39th week of pregnancy.
3 mins to read
22-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
If you could look inside, you may see your baby sucking their thumb. It’s nature’s way of getting them ready to breastfeed from birth.
3 mins to read
Your baby growth at 6 month of pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 23 – 27. Your baby develops movements that will later help it take its first whiff of air in the world, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid.
3 mins to read
Related tools
Your week-by-week pregnancy calendar
Track your pregnancy week by week and learn more about your pregnancy stages, the symptoms, and your baby's development.
Baby Name Generator
Trying to find the perfect baby name? Get inspiration from our baby naming tool
Due Date Calculator
So, when are you due? It depends on the conception date—but since that’s tough to tell, here’s how to calculate your baby’s expected birthday!
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
