Signs of Labor: When to Go to the Hospital

Every labor is different, and it is not always obvious when it has started. Here are the signs to look for, how to time what you are feeling, and when it is time to go in.

Signs that labor is coming soon

In the days or weeks before labor you may notice:

Your baby "dropping" lower into your pelvis (lightening). Breathing gets easier, but you need to pee even more
Losing your mucus plug, a thick, jelly-like discharge that may be clear, pink or streaked with blood (a "bloody show")
More Braxton Hicks contractions that feel stronger or more frequent
Lower back ache and cramps like period pain
Loose stools or diarrhea
A burst of energy and the urge to nest

These are signs that your body is getting ready, but labor could still be days away.

Signs that labor has started

Regular contractions that get longer, stronger and closer together, and don't stop when you rest or change position
Your waters breaking: a gush or a slow trickle of fluid that you can't control
Persistent lower back pain that comes in waves with your contractions

Not sure if what you are feeling is the real thing? Our guide to Braxton Hicks vs real contractions explains the difference.

The three stages of labor

Stage	What happens	How long it can take
1. Early and active labor	Contractions open (dilate) your cervix to 10 cm	Hours to a day or more for a first baby, often shorter after that
2. Pushing and birth	You push your baby out	Minutes to a few hours
3. Delivering the placenta	The placenta comes away and is delivered	5 to 30 minutes, or up to an hour without medicine

Early labor is usually the longest part. Contractions may be 5 to 20 minutes apart and mild enough to talk through. Most people are encouraged to stay at home for this part: rest, eat light snacks, drink water, take a warm shower and keep moving gently.

Active labor begins at around 6 cm. Contractions become strong, about 3 to 5 minutes apart, and last about a minute. This is usually the time to be at your hospital or birth center. For what happens from there to the birth of the placenta, see our guide to the stages of labor.

When to go to the hospital: the 5-1-1 rule

Many providers use the 5-1-1 rule for a first baby: head in when contractions are

about 5 minutes apart,
each lasting about 1 minute,
for at least 1 hour.

If you have had a baby before, live far from the hospital, or your provider gave you different advice, follow their plan, as you may need to go in sooner. Use our free contraction timer to track frequency and duration; it tells you when you reach the 5-1-1 pattern.

When not to wait for 5-1-1

Call your provider or maternity unit straight away if:

your waters break, especially if the fluid is green, brown or smells bad
you have vaginal bleeding heavier than spotting
your baby is moving less than usual
you have constant, severe pain rather than contractions that come and go
you have a fever, a severe headache, vision changes or sudden swelling
you have regular contractions before 37 weeks, which can be a sign of preterm labor
you just feel that something isn't right

Frequently asked questions

Can labor start without contractions?

Yes. Sometimes your waters break first and contractions start later. Call your provider when your waters break, even if you don't have contractions yet.

How long does early labor last?

For a first baby, early labor can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, with long rests between contractions. It is usually shorter in later pregnancies.

What does a contraction feel like?

Most people describe a tightening across the belly that builds, peaks and fades, often starting in the lower back. Early on it can feel like strong period cramps.

Sources

General information only, not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your doctor or midwife.

History of updates

October 21, 2026: Published.