Labour Ready Planner: Signs Labour Is Starting

As the end of your pregnancy approaches, it’s natural for your thoughts to turn towards labour and birth. You might be feeling a mix of excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a little nervousness. One of the most common questions I hear from expectant parents is, “How will I know when it’s really happening?” It’s a great question, because the start of labour isn’t always the dramatic, sudden event we see in movies. For many, labour begins slowly and subtly, with signs that can be easy to miss or mistake for normal late-pregnancy discomforts. Understanding these early signals is the key to feeling prepared and calm as you transition from pregnancy to parenthood. Knowing what to look for helps you work with your body, communicate effectively with your birth team, and make timely decisions about when to head to your birthing centre or hospital. This is precisely why we created the Labour Ready Planner. It’s designed to be your trusted companion in these final weeks, helping you recognise the signs of labour, track your symptoms, and know exactly when it’s time to make that important call to your midwife or doctor. It brings all the key information into one place, so you can focus on the incredible journey ahead. Why this matters Knowing how to identify the start of labour is about more than just satisfying your curiosity. It’s a practical skill that empowers you to have a more positive and confident birth experience. When you can distinguish between pre-labour the warm-up and active labour the main event , you can make better decisions for your comfort and wellbeing. Recognising early labour allows you to conserve your energy. The first stage can be long, and rushing to the hospital at the first twinge can sometimes lead to a longer, more tiring experience, or even unnecessary interventions. By understanding the signs, you can spend the early phase in the comfort of your own home, resting, eating, and using comfort measures that work for you. It also gives you and your support person time to get into the right headspace, review your Birth Plan Builder preferences, and mentally prepare for the work ahead. Most importantly, being informed helps you know when a sign is normal and when it requires medical attention. This knowledge reduces anxiety and ensures you seek help promptly if there are any concerns about your health or your baby’s. It puts you in the driver…