Your body has been preparing to deliver from the moment you conceived - how do you tell if labour has finally started?

Am I in Labour

While you have had months to prepare, the onset of labour can be sudden and unexpected, or it could take several hours. Labour can happen anywhere between week 38 or 42 of your pregnancy. Labour that begins before week 38 is considered premature. If you think you may be in premature labour, call your health care provider right away or go directly to the hospital.

In This Section

Signs of Labour

You may have gotten used to the odd aches and pains of pregnancy, but there are certain signals that your body is serious and labour is about to begin.