If you’re wondering “is this it?” you’re not alone. Early labour can feel uncertain, like a subtle shift in your body, and it looks and feels different for every woman.
Most mums don’t suddenly “just know.” Early labour is often described as a slow build-up, or a stop and start, not a dramatic moment.
It often starts like period pain
You might feel dull cramps low in your tummy, or an ache in your lower back. These can come and go, a bit like period pain — sometimes mild, sometimes a bit stronger.
Your tummy tightens, then relaxes
Contractions in early labour usually feel like your tummy going tight and hard, then soft again. At first, they might be irregular and far apart — even 20–30 minutes between them.
It’s not constant pain
One of the biggest clues is that the feeling comes in waves. Each surge builds, peaks, and then fades — with a break in between where you can rest.
You might notice other small changes
Some women also experience:
A “show” (thick, sticky discharge that can be clear, pink, or brown)
Lower back ache or pelvic pressure
Waters breaking (a trickle or a gush of fluid)
It can last hours… or even days
Early labour can be long and stop-start. For some, it lasts many hours — for others, it can stretch over a couple of days.
The most important thing to know
Early labour is your body gently preparing for birth.
One of the clearest signs labour is really underway is when your contractions become regular, stronger, and closer together.
A gentle reminder
In early labour, you’ll often find it helps to stay gently distracted and relaxed—rest when you can, fuel your body with good food and water, take a warm shower or use a heat pack, and keep yourself lightly occupied with simple things to take the focus off each wave. As contractions gradually build, start using your TENS machine early to help boost your body’s natural endorphin release for when contractions intensify.
What does early labour feel like?
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