walk or move about, if you feel like it.There's no evidence that having a bath or shower after your waters have broken increases your risk of infection, but having sex might. A raised temperature is usually above 37.5C, but you may need to call before this – check with your midwife. You should take your temperature every 4 hours when you're awake, and tell your midwife if it's raised. there's any change in the colour or smell of any fluid coming from your vagina.Until your induction, or if you choose to wait for labour to start naturally, tell your midwife immediately if: You'll be offered an induction if you do not because, without amniotic fluid, there's an increased risk of infection for your baby. It's usual to go into labour within 24 hours of the waters breaking. If labour does not start after your waters break Use a sanitary pad (not a tampon) so your midwife can check the colour of the waters. If your waters break before labour starts, call your midwife. This could mean you and your baby need urgent attention. When your waters break, the water may be a little bloodstained to begin with. Sometimes it's difficult to tell amniotic fluid from urine. To prepare for this, you could keep a sanitary towel (but not a tampon) handy if you're going out, and put a protective sheet on your bed.Īmniotic fluid is clear and pale. If your waters break naturally, you may feel a slow trickle or a sudden gush of water you cannot control. Sometimes when you're in labour, a midwife or doctor may offer to break your waters. When it's time for your baby to be born, the sac usually breaks and the amniotic fluid drains out through your vagina. Your baby develops and grows inside a bag of fluid called the amniotic sac. It's likely your waters will break during labour, but it can also happen before labour starts. Labour may quickly follow or may take a few days.
If you're losing more blood, it may be a sign something is wrong, so phone your hospital or midwife straight away.Ī show indicates that the cervix is starting to open. It's pink because it contains a small amount of blood. It may come away in 1 blob or in several pieces. This sticky, jelly-like pink mucus is called a show. This mucus comes away just before labour starts, or when in early labour, and it may pass out of your vagina.
A "show" can signal the start of labourĭuring pregnancy, there's a plug of mucus in your cervix. You may get backache or a heavy, aching feeling. Read more information on when to go to hospital Backache often comes on in labour Your midwife will probably advise you to stay at home until your contractions become frequent.Ĭall your midwife or maternity unit for guidance when your contractions are in a regular pattern and: The contractions are pushing your baby down and opening the entrance to your womb (the cervix), ready for your baby to go through.
If you put your hand on your abdomen, you'll feel it getting harder when the muscles relax, the pain fades and you will feel the hardness ease. During a contraction, the muscles tighten and the pain increases. Your contractions tend to become longer, stronger and more frequent as your labour progresses. These tightenings are called Braxton Hicks contractions and are usually painless. You may have had contractions during your pregnancy, particularly towards the end. When you have a contraction, your womb tightens and then relaxes. For some people, contractions may feel like extreme period pains. If you go to the hospital or maternity unit, they may suggest you go back home.įind out more about the stages of labour and what you can do at home during the latent phase.Ĭall your midwife if you're unsure or worried about anything. You'll probably be advised to stay at home during this time. This is when your cervix becomes soft and thin, and starts opening for your baby to be born. The start of labour is called the latent phase. These signs mean you need to see a midwife or doctor. you're less than 37 weeks pregnant and think you might be in labour.
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