-By Bushra Hatahet, UK-Trained Clinical Midwife
Labour is one of the most remarkable physiological processes the human body can perform.
Every contraction, every hormonal change and every stage of labour has a purpose. Your body isn’t working against you—it is working with your baby to bring them safely into the world.
Understanding what is happening during labour can help reduce fear, increase confidence and allow you to work with your body rather than against it.
Remember, every labour is different. Labour isn’t a race, and there is no “perfect” labour. Every woman and every baby follow their own unique journey.
Labour is the process by which your body prepares for and gives birth to your baby.
During labour your body works to:
Although labour can feel unpredictable, your body is following an incredibly well-coordinated process involving your uterus, your hormones, your cervix and your baby working together.
Every contraction has a purpose.
Labour has three important jobs.
1. Prepare and Open the Cervix
Your cervix begins pregnancy long, thick, firm and closed.
Before your baby can be born it needs to become:
Every contraction contributes towards this process.
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2. Move Your Baby Through the Pelvis
Your uterus is the strongest muscle in your body.
With every contraction your uterus gently guides your baby lower into the pelvis.
At the same time your baby is also working hard by:
Birth is a partnership between mother and baby.
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3. Birth Your Baby and Placenta
Once the cervix is fully dilated, contractions change purpose.
Instead of opening the cervix, they now help your baby descend before you begin pushing.
Following the birth of your baby, your uterus continues contracting to deliver the placenta and reduce bleeding.
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Labour is Controlled by Hormones
One of the most fascinating things about labour is that it is largely directed by hormones rather than conscious effort.
Oxytocin – The Love Hormone
Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions.
It is also released during:
During labour oxytocin helps:
Oxytocin is produced best when you feel:
Simple things such as dim lighting, reassurance, massage, holding hands and feeling emotionally safe all encourage oxytocin production.
One of the earliest signs labour may be approaching is when your baby moves lower into your pelvis.
This is often called lightening or engagement.
You may notice:
For first-time mums, this often happens several weeks before labour.
For women who have had babies before, it may not happen until labour actually begins.
Braxton Hicks are often called practice contractions.
These contractions help prepare your uterus for labour but do not cause your cervix to dilate.
They often feel like:
Braxton Hicks usually:
• • Do not become progressively stronger.
Some women experience a sudden burst of energy shortly before labour.
You may suddenly feel the urge to:
This is often called the nesting instinct.
While completely normal, try not to overdo it.
Rest is still one of the best ways to prepare for labour.
As the cervix begins to soften and change, many women notice increased discharge.
Normal discharge is usually:
If your discharge becomes green, foul smelling or causes irritation, contact your healthcare provider.
During pregnancy, a thick mucus plug sits inside the cervix, helping protect your baby from infection.
As the cervix begins to soften and open, this plug may come away.
It may look:
This is often called a show.
Some women lose it all at once.
Others notice it gradually over several days.
Losing your mucus plug does not necessarily mean labour has started. Labour may begin within hours, days or even weeks afterwards.
A small amount of blood mixed with mucus is completely normal as the cervix begins to open.
This happens because tiny blood vessels in the cervix break as it starts to dilate.
A bloody show is usually:
Seek medical advice immediately if:
Heavy bleeding during pregnancy is not considered normal.
Many women notice loose stools or diarrhoea shortly before labour begins.
This is another effect of prostaglandins and the body’s natural preparation for birth.
Although unpleasant, it is usually completely normal.
Some women experience:
These sensations may come and go for several days before labour begins.
Early contractions are usually:
As labour progresses they become:
Unlike Braxton Hicks, true labour contractions continue regardless of movement or position.
False Labour | True Labour |
Irregular contractions | Regular contractions |
Often stop with rest | Continue despite rest |
Do not become stronger | Become stronger over time |
No cervical change | Cervix gradually opens |
Often settle | Continue to progress |
Contact your maternity team if:
Trust your instincts.
You know your body better than anyone else.
If you’re worried, it’s always appropriate to seek advice.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that labour always starts with dramatic contractions or your waters breaking like they do in the movies.
In reality, labour often begins slowly. Many women spend hours—or even days—in early labour before active labour is established.
Don’t feel disappointed if you’re sent home after your first assessment. This doesn’t mean labour has stopped; it simply means your body is still doing the important work of preparing for birth.
Be patient, stay hydrated, rest whenever you can and remember: every contraction has a purpose.”
Labour often begins gradually rather than suddenly.
Not everyone experiences the same signs.
Losing your mucus plug doesn’t necessarily mean labour has started.
Braxton Hicks prepare your uterus but do not open your cervix.
Trust your instincts—if you’re worried, contact your maternity team.
If you are looking for calm expertise and genuine continuity of care, let’s talk.
