What to expect during labour and birth

Every labour and birth is different. Your experience will be unique and that is completely normal.

It can help to learn about what might happen but labour doesn’t always follow a set plan. Things can change and not everything can be predicted. Being flexible and having the right support can help you feel more confident as labour unfolds.

As labour gets closer, your body starts preparing in gradual ways. Many of these changes happen inside your body so you may not notice clear signs right away. In the final weeks of pregnancy, it’s common to feel like nothing is happening but your body is already getting ready for birth.

There is no set order or timing for these changes. Everyone’s experience is different, and that’s okay.

Before labour and birth, you may want to:  

• Understand what’s happening inside your body
• Learn about common tests checks and scans you might need
• Explore ways to manage your wellbeing and comfort
• Understand how support partners can help in labour and birth
• Start planning for birth and labour. To do this, you can:
  • Know the signs of labour and when to call your maternity care provider. Have their number saved in your phone.
  • Prepare your birth bag or birth environment with essentials so you’re ready to go.
  • Know how to get to your place of birth and be familiar with how to access the hospital after hours.
  • Arrange care for your other children, pets or anyone else you provide care for at home.
• Understand when to seek help and what to do when things don’t go to plan.

What’s happening inside your body

In the days or weeks before labour, your body is quietly preparing for birth. This can mean:

• Hormones help your uterus to get ready to contract and your body tissues to soften.
• Your cervix gradually softens, shortens, and thins (this is called “ripening”).
• Your contractions become stronger, more regular and more coordinated.
• Your baby may move lower into the pelvis changing how your body feels.
• Your baby’s movements should not change. 

These changes are happening even if you don’t notice them.

Learn more

Anatomy of pregnancy and birth | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

Changes you might notice

Everyone’s experiences are different. Some people notice changes before labour begins and others may not notice any at all.

You might notice: 

• changes in vaginal discharge
• irregular tightening or cramping that may come and go
• backache, pelvic pressure, or period like pain
• your mucous plug coming out (mucus may be clear, pink, or blood streaked – similar to the consistency of egg whites)
• your waters breaking (this may be a gush or a slow trickle and can happen before or after contractions begin) 
• feeling restless, emotional, unsettled, excited, or unsure.

Even if you don’t notice these changes in your body, it doesn’t mean they’re not happening. Similarly, noticing some of these changes doesn’t mean labour will start right away either. 

Learn more

Signs and stages of labour and birth: What to expect | Raising Children Network

When to seek help

It’s common to feel unsure. You don’t need to be certain to reach out. It’s always ok to call your maternity care provider for advice or reassurance. 

When to seek help

Contact your care team or assessment unit if you think:

• Your waters have broken.
• You're having regular contractions.
• You’re feeling you want to attend for an assessment or pain relief. 

When to seek urgent help

Call your assessment unit urgently or go to hospital if you have:

• heavy bleeding
• severe pain
• your baby’s movements have changed or you’re concerned about your baby
• you feel something isn’t right. 

If it is an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.