When Does Labor Start? Essential Signs of Labor, Stages, and When to Head to the Hospital

Knowing when labor starts is one of the most common concerns for expectant parents near the end of pregnancy. Being prepared means understanding the true signs of labor: from regular contractions to your water breaking. Not every twinge signals the beginning of childbirth, so it’s crucial to recognize the initial phases, anticipate the progression, and know exactly when labor starts and when you should head to the hospital. If you want to give yourself the best chance at a smooth birth, keep reading – you’ll find practical tips, personal experiences, and medically reviewed insights to help you master this life-changing moment.

How Labor Begins: Telltale Signs Labor Has Started

Labor—the process that leads to childbirth—unfolds as your body prepares for your baby’s arrival. Recognizing the real signs labor is starting is key, as false alarms are common in late pregnancy. The main signs labor starts include:

• Regular, Intensifying Contractions: Unlike irregular Braxton-Hicks or “practice” contractions, real labor contractions become progressively stronger, last longer, and come at regular intervals (usually 5–10 minutes apart).
• Water Breaking (Rupture of Membranes): This can be a dramatic gush or a slow trickle of fluid, signaling that the protective sac around your baby has ruptured.
• Loss of the Mucus Plug: This thick, jelly-like discharge may be clear, yellowish, or blood-streaked, indicating the cervix is beginning to dilate.
• Bloody Show: A mixture of blood and mucus may appear as your cervix changes, which often happens within hours to a few days of labor starting.
• Lower Back Pain and Pelvic Pressure: Not all labor starts with sharp pain—sometimes it’s persistent backache or a heavy, “bearing down” sensation in your pelvis.

Early labor signs can look different for each person, so lean into your instincts and note the patterns your body displays.

False vs. True Labor Contractions

Understanding the distinction between Braxton-Hicks (false) contractions and true labor contractions helps you avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital:

• Braxton-Hicks (False): Irregular, don’t intensify, often disappear with hydration or rest, and typically don’t get closer together.
• True Labor: Increase in strength, length, and frequency; continue even if you rest or change positions.

If you’re unsure, track your contractions for at least an hour, noting frequency, intensity, and regularity.

The Stages of Labor: What to Expect Step by Step

Knowing how labor progresses helps you feel in control and confident. Here’s a breakdown of what happens when labor starts and through its stages:

1. Pre-Labor: Your Body Prepares for Childbirth

Days or even weeks before real labor starts, your body sends preparatory signals, such as:

• More frequent but still irregular contractions (Braxton-Hicks)
• Baby “dropping” lower into the pelvis (your belly may appear lower)
• Increased urge to urinate or changes in bowel movements (looser stools)
• Sudden bursts of energy (nesting) or, conversely, fatigue

These preludes don’t signal that labor is imminent but show your body is gearing up.

2. Early Labor: Dilation Begins

• Contractions settle into a regular pattern, initially every 10–15 minutes, spacing closer to 5–10 minutes
• Cervix steadily dilates, and the mucus plug may come out
• Water may break—a slow leak or sudden gush

Example: If at 6:00 PM you notice contractions every 8 minutes, by 7:00 PM they are coming every 6 minutes and increasing in strength, you’re likely in early labor.

3. Active Labor: Progress Accelerates

• Contractions intensify, occurring every 3–5 minutes and lasting 45–60 seconds
• Discomfort increases and focus narrows; it becomes harder to talk through contractions
• Cervix dilates faster (from about 4–7 cm)

4. Transition: Final Push Before Delivery

• Cervix reaches full dilation (about 10 cm)
• Contractions are intense, frequent, and may cause strong urge to push
• Nausea, trembling, or feeling overwhelmed are common but are normal—this is the shortest yet most powerful phase
• As transition ends, pushing (delivery) begins

Real-Life Examples: What Labor Felt Like for Others

• Jessica, Week 39: “I was cramping irregularly all day, then by evening contractions were every seven minutes. At midnight my water broke—six hours later my son arrived.”
• Leah, Second-Time Mom: “I lost my mucus plug at night—no pain at first. The next morning, cramps were 15 minutes apart, then sped up. As soon as they hit five minutes and I could barely talk, we called the hospital.”
• Erin: “My first sign was my water breaking, although I felt no contractions at all. We went in and regular contractions kicked off soon after.”

When to Go to the Hospital: Knowing the Right Time

The biggest question when labor starts is: when should you go to the hospital? Delaying too long with later labors could cause you to deliver en route, but going too early can mean unnecessary waiting.

Head to the hospital if:

• Contractions are regular and strong: Every 5–10 minutes, lasting at least one hour (first-time parents especially)
• Your water breaks: Even WITHOUT contractions, risk of infection means you need assessment
• You notice heavy bleeding, intense pain, or alarming symptoms
• Decreased fetal movement: If your baby’s activity drops, seek care immediately

Each pregnancy is unique—always follow your provider’s recommendations.

When Is It Okay to Stay Home?

You can wait at home if you have:

• Mild, irregular contractions that don’t intensify or become regular
• Just lost your mucus plug but no blood or severe pain
• Only slight discomfort or a "strange" sensation without further symptoms

Tips for home:

• Stay hydrated
• Move around or change positions
• Rest and save energy

Labor Complications and Warning Signs

While most labors progress naturally, it's vital to know when immediate medical attention is required:

• Waters break before 37 weeks: May indicate preterm labor—go to the hospital right away
• Heavy or constant vaginal bleeding: Always considered an emergency
• Significantly reduced fetal movement: Your baby should move consistently, even in late pregnancy
• Signs of infection: Fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge, or feeling very unwell
• Known risks: If your baby is breech, it’s a twin pregnancy, or you have underlying medical conditions, follow custom instructions from your provider

Your safety and your baby’s health are paramount—when in doubt, always check in with your care team.

Medical Insight: How Labor Starts and Progresses

Labor is triggered by a complex hormonal cascade. Rising estrogen and oxytocin, plus declining progesterone, make your uterus more sensitive to contractions. Loss of the mucus plug and water breaking indicate the cervix is softening, thinning (effacing), and opening (dilating) to clear the way for your baby.

• First-time labors: Often take longer, with early and active labor combining to last over 8–18 hours on average
• Subsequent pregnancies: Tend to progress more quickly

Staying calm, well-hydrated, and supported makes a measurable difference in the experience and outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Signs Labor Is Starting

What are the real signs labor has started?

Regular, increasing contractions; water breaking; loss of the mucus plug (sometimes with blood); and persistent lower back or pelvic pain signal labor is starting.

How painful is the start of labor?

Early labor usually feels manageable, similar to strong menstrual cramps. Pain intensity rises with each stage but varies person to person.

When should I head to the hospital?

Go if you have contractions every 5–10 minutes for at least an hour, water breaks, you notice bleeding, or your baby is less active.

What if I’m not sure?

Always trust your instincts, reach out to your provider, or call your hospital’s labor and delivery department if in doubt.

Key Takeaways and Extra Support

Labor unfolds differently for everyone, and recognizing when labor starts can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. If you’re ever uncertain—ask! It’s always better to consult your care provider than risk worry.

Staying relaxed, listening to your body, and building a support network can make the process smoother and less stressful. If you want more in-depth guides for labor preparation, downloadable checklists, or expert tips, check out our free app created just for expectant parents like you.

You are not alone in this life-changing experience. Breathe deeply, trust yourself, and lean on your support system—your journey toward meeting your baby is about to begin.