Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labor checklist
You probably think it’ll be obvious when you go into labor, but it isn’t always what you see in the movies. Here are a few signs of labor to look out for.
- Regular contractions or tightenings. They might feel like really intense period pains.
- Backache—contractions don’t just happen in the bump area.
- Mucus or jelly-like stuff in your panties—this is called a “show”.
- A sudden urge to use the restroom. This is caused by the baby’s head pressing down on your bowel.
- Your waters breaking. This might not happen before labor. But if it does call the hospital ASAP.
- Call the hospital ASAP if you’re unsure or worried about anything. For example, if you’re bleeding or your baby is moving less than usual.
- Don’t forget to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go! See our checklist of essentials to include.
Related articles
Your 8th Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is about the size of a grape. It now measures about 15mm. It is still very small and weighs a gram and a half.
3 mins to read
Stay active to help keep weight in check & increase chances of an easier birth
2 mins to read
3-week pregnant: baby development and diet advice
You’re at the very beginning of the journey. You can’t see anything yet, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a whole lot going on.
3 mins to read
38-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks! Yes, it’s true, you and your little one will soon be making each other’s acquaintance. Everything is pretty much in place. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Critical foods to help you get pregnant
Why are folic acid and iron essential vitamins to take prior to conception? In which foods will I find them? Should I eat them before I get pregnant?
3 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. Here’s a few things that could help make the first, delicate trimester a little easier to stomach.
1 min to read
Your baby-ready diet
Enjoy the recommended servings from the five food groups to give your baby-to-be a healthy start! Healthy and moderately active?
1 min to read
16-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
If you could see inside yourself and watch your growing baby, you might soon see him sucking his thumb! He has finally managed to get it into his mouth.
2 mins to read
Pregnancy Week by Week
I got the results of my pregnancy test and I’m pregnant! I’m going to be a mom! How can I find out about the different stages of pregnancy week by week?
7 mins to read
Children’s dental care checklist
Looking after our teeth is a lifelong undertaking so it helps to get off to a good start.
2 mins to read
Preconception meal plan: here is what a day of food could look like
Preconception meal plan: get an idea of what your ideal daily menu would look like to set yourself up for a healthy pregnancy.
1 min to read
28-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your little one is around 35 cm long from crown to toe and already weights about 1.3 kilos, a third of her birth weight. Her feet measure nearly 6 cm – yes, they are tiny!
2 mins to read
Your 12th Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is the size of an apricot. It measures 5 cm from crown to rump, and 7.5cm from crown to heel. It weighs 18g. It now looks just like a little human being.
2 mins to read
Making healthy diet choices during your pregnancy has many benefits
5 mins to read
4-week pregnancy: baby development and diet advice
Almost one month already! There are lots of things happening inside you this week.
3 mins to read
39-week 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 this next to last week.
3 mins to read
Feeling Emotional? It's Those Surging Hormones!
If you are feeling particularly sensitive right now, don't be concerned.
3 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
What exercise can you do while pregnant, and when?
Exercising while you’re pregnant is important for you and your baby’s health. Physical activity can help you control your weight gain, lift your mood, and even help labor go more smoothly.
4 mins to read
