As your due date approaches, it is natural to pay closer attention to every change in your body.

A tightening belly, backache, or increased discharge can easily make you wonder: Is labour starting?

There are several changes that may happen before labour, but every pregnancy is different. Some signs may appear days before labour begins, while others may only become obvious once labour is already underway.

The key is not whether you notice one particular symptom, but whether the pattern is changing and whether there are any signs that need prompt medical attention.

Is a Tight Belly a Contraction?

In late pregnancy, some mothers notice that the belly becomes hard or tight from time to time.

These may be Braxton Hicks contractions. They usually do not become progressively stronger or more regular. As true labour develops, contractions tend to become longer, stronger, and more frequent.

So occasional tightening does not necessarily mean labour has begun.

What matters more is whether the contractions become increasingly regular, closer together, and stronger.

Does a “Show” Mean Labour Is About to Start?

As the cervix begins to change, the mucus plug may come away.

You may notice sticky, jelly-like discharge that can be pink or lightly blood-stained. This is often called a “show.” It can happen shortly before labour or even several days earlier.

A show does not always mean the baby will arrive immediately.

However, obvious vaginal bleeding rather than a small amount of blood-stained mucus should be assessed promptly.

Backache and Pelvic Pressure May Increase

Some mothers notice more backache or a heavier feeling in the lower abdomen as labour gets closer.

As the baby's head moves lower, there may also be more pressure on the bladder or bowel.

This can make you feel the need to urinate or open your bowels more often.

These changes can be part of the lead-up to labour, but no single symptom can tell you exactly when birth will happen.

What Does It Feel Like When Your Waters Break?

Your waters do not always break with a dramatic gush.

Some mothers feel a sudden flow, while others notice a slow trickle of fluid that they cannot control.

If you think your waters have broken, contact your maternity unit or healthcare provider.

If the fluid is coloured, has an unusual smell, or is accompanied by bleeding, seek medical advice promptly.

When Should You Contact Your Maternity Team?

Seek advice promptly if:

• you think your waters have broken
• you have vaginal bleeding
• your baby is moving less than usual
• contractions become regular and increasingly frequent
• you are under 37 weeks and develop regular contractions, period-like pain, unusual backache, or possible leaking fluid
• or you simply feel that something is clearly different and you are worried

These situations should be assessed by your doctor, midwife, or maternity unit.

A Reminder for Expectant Mothers

There is no single sequence of signs that happens for everyone.

Some mothers notice a show first, some notice their waters breaking, and others mainly notice regular contractions.

Instead of trying to predict the exact day labour will start, it is more useful to know your hospital's instructions, prepare your hospital bag, and make sure your transport and contact details are ready.

You can observe normal changes, but if something feels clearly different from usual, do not ignore it.