In 60 seconds
Your short plan for this week
Learn the four observations your service may ask about: contraction pattern, fluid loss, bleeding and baby movement.
Confirm when your service wants a phone call for contractions and what to do if waters break without contractions.
Do not drive yourself if contractions, pain, dizziness or urgency make driving unsafe.
What you may notice
Your body and how you may feel
Early signs of labour can be ambiguous. Use the contact rules provided by your maternity service.
What is happening
Baby’s development this week
This is early term in many clinical definitions; important brain and lung development continues.
Plain-language examples
What this means in real life
A mucus plug or irregular tightenings may not mean active labour. Fresh bleeding, reduced movement or concerning fluid loss still need prompt contact.
A short checklist
What to do now
- Learn the four observations your service may ask about: contraction pattern, fluid loss, bleeding and baby movement.
- Discuss birth preferences, feeding support and early recovery.
- Notice your baby's usual movement pattern and act promptly on a clear change.
Pause and check
What not to do—or what to ask first
- Do not drive yourself if contractions, pain, dizziness or urgency make driving unsafe.
What may be coming up
Appointments, tests and decisions
Confirm when your service wants a phone call for contractions and what to do if waters break without contractions.
Discuss feeding support
Learn how feeding support is accessed and how to get help early, whichever feeding path you use.
Save the route and urgent contacts
Know where to go, how to get there and whom to call day or night.
Make a term and overdue plan
Ask your doctor what happens if labour has not started by the planned review point.
For the support person
One useful thing a partner can do
- Keep the phone audible, avoid alcohol or being unreachable, and know which observations to record calmly.
Contact your care team
Contact your doctor or maternity team promptly
Some concerns need advice before the next routine appointment even when they do not feel like an emergency. If a symptom becomes severe, sudden or frightening, use urgent care instead.
See when to contact careUrgent or emergency
Urgent signs during pregnancy or within a year after birth
Get medical care immediately for these symptoms. The list is not exhaustive; if something feels seriously wrong, seek help.
Open urgent warning signs