Knowing the most common signs of labor can bring peace of mind, especially if you're unsure whether your body is just "practicing" or if labor is actually beginning. Signs can appear in different orders and with varying intensity, and it's completely normal to feel a bit uncertain along the way. Here you'll find practical, down-to-earth guidance on what to typically look out for and when you should contact the maternity ward.

Braxton Hicks contractions are often irregular and can come and go without increasing in intensity. True labor contractions typically follow a clearer pattern: they gradually get stronger, last longer, and come with shorter breaks in between.

Many maternity wards recommend contacting them when contractions are regular and affect you so much that you can't ignore them, or if you are in doubt. Especially if you have:

• Contractions that increase in strength over time
• A feeling of downward pressure in the pelvis
• A need to focus on breathing during contractions

It's better to call once too often than not often enough. That's what they're there for.

When your water breaks, it can feel like a large gush, but it can also be a slow leak that might be mistaken for urine or increased discharge. Make a note of the time and what the fluid looks like.

You should contact the maternity ward if:

• Your water breaks (even if you don't have contractions yet)
• The fluid is greenish or brownish (which could indicate meconium in the amniotic fluid)
• You have a fever, or you feel less fetal movement than usual

The mucus plug can come out as a lump of thick mucus, sometimes with a few streaks of blood. This can be a sign that your body is preparing, but it doesn't necessarily mean labor will start the same day.

A little bloody mucus can be normal. However, fresh, heavy bleeding should always be evaluated urgently by a healthcare professional.

Some people notice a shift in the days or hours leading up to labor, even without obvious contractions yet. This could include:

• Loose bowels or nausea
• Increasing dull ache in the lower back or abdomen
• Restlessness or a sudden urge to "nest"
• Sleep interrupted by jolts and tension

These are not definitive proofs that labor has started, but they can be signals that the body is preparing.

If you are in doubt, call. But there are situations where you should not wait.

• Heavy bleeding
• Suspicion that your water has broken, especially if the fluid is discolored
• Fewer fetal movements than you usually feel
• Persistent strong pain without breaks
• Fever or affected general condition

Fact box (short and practical):
Write down: when symptoms started, how often they occur, and how they develop. This makes it easier to get good advice over the phone.

When signs of labor begin, it's often about making things easy for yourself:

• Have your phone and charger ready
• Pack the last items for your bag (or place it by the door)
• Eat and drink a little, if you can
• Discuss "who calls whom when" with your partner or support person

Fact box (mini-check):
If you're going to the maternity ward, it's often nice to have loose clothing, pads, a water bottle, and something light to eat afterward, if allowed.

As the body moves into labor, comfort and practical basics can mean more than one might think. Many choose to have postpartum essentials ready in good time, for example, an all-in-one solution like the New Mum Care Pack, which is typically designed for the time immediately after childbirth with a focus on hygiene and well-being. Some also prefer to have Washable 2x Maternity Hospital Panties ready, because soft, roomy underwear can be comfortable in the days following delivery.

Sources: Sundhed.dk (Normal birth), Medical News Today (Signs of labor), Libero.dk (How labor starts). The information is general and may vary; in case of doubt or unusual signs, always contact a doctor, midwife, or maternity ward.