Does early labour stop and begin again?

Yes, this is quite normal, particularly in women who are expecting their first child. Contractions will feel stronger for some time and then lessen before starting up again.

Is early labour painful?

Early labour is less painful than active labour and is more like period cramps or a backache. The level of pain increases gradually as labour moves on.

How do I know that I should go to the hospital?

Generally, your doctor will usually advise you to go to the hospital when your contractions become regular and stronger, or when you have your waters breaking or any blood loss.

What Does Early Labour Feel Like? Signs & Symptoms

Now that you are near the day of your baby’s arrival, any cramp may make you wonder whether this could be it. Labour pains can be hard to recognise, particularly if you have not been through labour before, as they usually come gradually. Having an idea of what you will be going through may help.

What Is Early Labour?

Early labour is the first stage of labour, during which the cervix begins to dilate. Early labour may take anywhere from several hours to several days, but most often, this is the longest stage of labour.

This is because the contractions are not very strong, but they are very important in preparing the body for the next stage of labour.

How Does Early Labour Feel?

However, some symptoms will assist you in identifying that you have entered the labour stage:

Cramping that resembles period cramping: Many women have reported early labour symptoms to be similar to those associated with menstruation, which include lower abdomen or lower back cramps.
Backache that comes and goes: Labour symptoms include a dull aching feeling in the back region of your body that will subside in between contractions.
Irregular contractions: The contractions at the time of labour may not follow any specific pattern.
Progressive intensification: The contractions get longer, closer and more pronounced in intensity within several hours, though not necessarily rapidly.
Increased pressure in your pelvic area: When your baby drops into position, you may begin feeling increased pressure in your pelvis or increased urination frequency.
Vaginal discharge: An increased amount of mucus secretion from the vagina and perhaps spotting, which is known as "a show".

It is very normal to doubt whether what you are feeling is actually labour, particularly at the onset. It is perfectly understandable since sometimes it is only as time passes and the feeling intensifies that things become clear.

What Makes Early Labour Distinct from Braxton Hicks?

Perhaps you have been experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions before going into labour, and so it might be difficult for you to differentiate between the two. Here are some ways:

Contractions pattern: Braxton Hicks contractions do not follow any specific pattern, whereas contractions during early labour become more and more organised.
Contractions intensity: Braxton Hicks contractions tend to be relatively mild and do not intensify over time, whereas contractions during early labour become increasingly more intense.
Contractions respond to physical activity: Braxton Hicks contractions tend to ease off once you shift your position or walk around; labour contractions, however, remain no matter what you do.
Progression: Contractions during true labour tend to help dilate the cervix, while Braxton Hicks contractions do not affect it in any way.

If you cannot determine whether what you are experiencing is Braxton Hicks or early labour contractions, then you should definitely consult your doctor.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Most of the early labour is perfectly comfortable to handle at home, although it would help if you stayed in touch with your doctor and contacted them if you experience the following things:

Your contractions have become regular and occur approximately five minutes apart or even more often
Your water breaks, either as a burst or slowly
You have noticed blood coming out of you instead of the normal mucus-like discharge
Your baby's movements seem to be reduced or different somehow
You are not past week 37 of pregnancy and suspect that you might be in labour
You just do not know what you are feeling and feel unsure about it

Your doctor can advise you over the phone regarding the meaning of your symptoms and tell you when you should head to the hospital.

The process of early labour can be quite confusing and slow, particularly if you have never experienced it before. Try to remain as calm as possible, rest when you need to, and keep your doctor's number handy. Soon, you will find yourself in active labour and, after that, welcoming your baby.

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FAQs on What Does Early Labour Feel Like?

Does early labour stop and begin again?
Yes, this is quite normal, particularly in women who are expecting their first child. Contractions will feel stronger for some time and then lessen before starting up again.
Is early labour painful?
Early labour is less painful than active labour and is more like period cramps or a backache. The level of pain increases gradually as labour moves on.
How do I know that I should go to the hospital?
Generally, your doctor will usually advise you to go to the hospital when your contractions become regular and stronger, or when you have your waters breaking or any blood loss.