Signs that labour is starting
By The BumpTribe team · Week 37
Published 20 July 2026 · Last reviewed 20 July 2026
As your due date nears, you might start wondering whether every twinge is the beginning. Here are some signs many people notice.
Common early signs
- A "show" — a small amount of mucus, sometimes tinged with blood.
- Your waters breaking — a gush or a slow trickle of fluid.
- Regular contractions that get stronger, longer, and closer together.
- A persistent, low backache.
When to get in touch
As a general guide, many providers suggest calling when contractions are around five minutes apart, lasting about a minute, for an hour — but always follow your own provider's advice. Our contraction timer can help you spot the pattern.
Contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away if your waters break, you notice bleeding, or your baby's movements change.