Signs of Labour New Parents to Should Know About + When to go Hospital

Often, we watched Channel 8 Dramas (or Netflix), we see pregnant ladies water bag burst means baby is coming out soon. I always have that perception, until recently it happened to us.

Mummy was having contractions for past 18 hours, but no water bag burst. So should we go hospital or not? Of course, we didn't post facebook and ask lah. If you did post, a lot will also tell you to go hospital one.

So Mummy was considered to be in active labour as the frequency of contractions gets more frequent and consistent. 

3 Signs of Labour That You Know

So for coming New Mums and Dads to be, do you know what are the signs of labour? Bear in mind these 3 signs, and be on your way to the hospital. Some of our friends mentioned that it is good to take a shower before heading down.

You never know when will be the next shower..

1. Regular and Frequent Contractions

In layman, contraction is a periodic tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscle. Means from your back and stomach, you feel the tightening and relaxing, with subjective pain.

• So the guide is 
• 5 mins interval
• 30secs to 60 secs of contractions

2. Water Bag Burst

This one you don't need to read up also know. When your water bag burst, it is also a trigger to go the hospital. Take note of the time when your water bag burst, and inform the nurses. 

When your water bag burst, don't kan chiong. Take a shower first, then head to the hospital. Bring along towels in case the tap still go on and on.

Usually I will standby Pee Pads in the car, or waterproof my bedsheets just in case.

3. Mucus Plug / ‘Bloody’ Show

The thick mucus plug which is sealing your cervix during pregnancy may discharge (partially/fully)​

The "Show" may be watery or sticky and jelly-like in appearance. Sometimes it has a brown, pink or red.

When Should You Go To Hospital? 

If you have the symptoms above, it is time that you should head to the hospital.

Most importantly is if you have regular and frequent contractions.

Do not be too excited when you have irregular contractions. You should be having consistent contractions.

If not, you go to hospital too early, then you got rejected. And will need to come back home again.

Most of the hospitals will send you home if you are in early labour, but some might offer you the opportunity to stay. More than often, Mummies want to stay because they feel paiseh that they are leaving without a baby.