How to Know When You're in Labour: Early Signs Every Nigerian Mum Should Watch For
You've counted down the weeks, packed your hospital bag, and the nursery is ready — but now comes the big question: how will you actually know you're in labour? Between Braxton Hicks contractions and the real thing, it's easy to second-guess every twinge in those final weeks. Here's what to actually watch for.
What Labour Actually Is
Labour is your body's natural process of preparing for childbirth — a series of physical changes, including contractions and cervical dilation, that lead to your baby's birth. It happens in three stages: early labour, where the cervix begins to dilate; active labour, where contractions intensify; and the transition to delivery, when you're fully dilated and ready to push. Before any of that begins, though, your body usually gives some earlier signs.
Early Signs You're Going Into Labour
Regular contractions are the clearest sign. Unlike Braxton Hicks, true labour contractions happen at regular intervals, grow stronger and closer together, and don't ease off when you rest or change position. A timer app can help you track how far apart they are.
Lower back pain or cramps — a persistent backache that radiates around your pelvis can be an early sign of labour starting.
A bloody show or mucus plug — a pink or blood-streaked discharge means your mucus plug is dislodging, a common sign labour is getting close.
Your water breaking — this can be a sudden gush or a slow trickle. Either way, head to the hospital even if contractions haven't started yet.
Increased pelvic pressure — a feeling like the baby is pressing down, often called "lightening," can mean labour is approaching.
An upset stomach or diarrhoea — some mums notice bowel changes as the body clears out in preparation for labour.
What False Labour Feels Like
Not every twinge means it's time. Braxton Hicks contractions tend to be irregular, ease off with rest or a glass of water, and feel more like tightness than real pain. If your contractions stop when you change position or hydrate, it's likely not the real thing yet.
When to Head to the Hospital
Go in if your contractions are 5 minutes apart for over an hour, your water breaks, you notice heavy bleeding, your baby isn't moving as much as usual, or you feel sudden, intense pain or pressure. In Nigeria, it's also worth factoring in traffic or distance to your hospital — keep your hospital bag and birth documents within easy reach as your due date approaches.
What Happens When You Arrive
Nurses will monitor your contractions and check your cervix — you may be admitted right away, or asked to go home and come back if it's still early. Be honest about what you're feeling, even if you think you might be overreacting. It's always better to be checked than to wait it out at home.
A Few Things to Prepare Ahead of Time
Know your route to the hospital and keep an emergency contact handy, let your birth partner know what to expect, keep your phone charged and fuel in the car, and have your hospital bag ready well before your due date. A contraction timer app and a few snacks for the wait can make the whole process feel a lot less chaotic.
Labour looks different for every woman — some feel strong signs days in advance, others go from zero to delivery quickly. The best approach is simply to know your own body, stay informed, and trust your instincts when something feels different.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it's real labour or Braxton Hicks?
True labour contractions happen at regular intervals, grow stronger and closer together, and don't ease off when you rest or change position. Braxton Hicks are irregular and typically stop with rest or hydration.
What should I do if my water breaks?
Head to the hospital even if contractions haven't started yet — this applies whether it's a sudden gush or a slow trickle of fluid.
How far apart should contractions be before going to the hospital?
Go in once contractions are about 5 minutes apart for over an hour, or immediately if your water breaks, you notice heavy bleeding, or your baby isn't moving as much as usual.