Signs your water is about to break
- is there blood when water breaks
- is there always blood when water breaks
- is there blood when a womans water breaks
- is there always blood when your water breaks
How to tell if your water broke or you peed
How dilated are you when your water breaks...
Signs that labour has begun
Know the signs
There are several signs that labour might be starting, including:
- contractions or tightenings
- a "show", when the plug of mucus from your cervix (entrance to your womb, or uterus) comes away
- backache
- an urge to go to the toilet, which is caused by your baby's head pressing on your bowel
- your waters breaking
When to contact your midwife or maternity unit
Call your midwife or maternity unit for guidance if:
- you think you’re in labour
- you’re having regular contractions coming every 5 minutes or more often
You can also call your midwife or maternity unit if you’re unsure or worried about anything.
Call 111 if you’re unable to contact your midwife or maternity unit.
Urgent advice: Call your midwife or maternity unit urgently if:
- your waters break
- you have vaginal bleeding
- your baby is moving less than usual
- you're less than 37 weeks pregnant and think you might be in labour
- any of your contractions last longer than 2 minutes
- you're having 6 or more contractions every 10 minutes
These signs mean you need to see
- is there any blood when your water breaks
- is there usually blood when your water breaks