Final Countdown: Labour Signs, Hospital Bags, and Birth Plans
DueDate.Baby Team
UK Pregnancy Experts
The third trimester often feels like the longest part of the journey. You've reached the stage where your shoes are hard to reach, and you're likely getting very curious about how this all ends.
Preparation is the best antidote to late-pregnancy nerves. This final guide covers how to spot the "big moment," what to pack to make the hospital feel a bit more like home, and how to communicate your wishes to your medical team.
Quick Answer
Preparing for birth involves spotting the early signs of labour (persistent lower backache, a mucosal "show", or contractions following the 5-1-1 rule), packing your hospital bags by week 36, and drafting a flexible birth plan outlining environment, pain relief, and post-birth preferences.
What is a Birth Plan? (And Why You Need One)
A birth plan isn't a rigid set of rules; think of it more as a "statement of preferences." It's a way to let your midwives and doctors know what matters most to you, especially when you might not feel like having a long chat during active labour.
Things to consider:
- Environment: Do you want low lighting, music, or a water birth?
- Pain Relief: Are you aiming for a "natural" birth, or are you open to TENS machines, gas and air, or an epidural?
- Interventions: How do you feel about things like being induced or assisted births?
- Post-Birth: Who do you want to cut the cord? Do you want immediate skin-to-skin contact?
The Golden Rule: Keep it flexible. Babies rarely read the plan, and the most important thing is a safe delivery for both of you. Having a "Plan B" included in your document can help you feel in control even if things take a different turn.
What Are the Early Signs of Labour?
Unless your waters break in a dramatic Hollywood-style splash (which only happens in about 15% of cases), labour usually starts much more subtly.
What to look for:
- Lightening: You might feel the baby "drop" lower into your pelvis. You'll breathe easier, but you'll probably need the loo every five minutes.
- The "Show": This is when the mucus plug that seals your cervix comes away. It might be clear, pink, or slightly bloody. It's a sign things are moving, though labour could still be days away.
- Backache: A persistent, heavy aching in your lower back that doesn't go away with a change in position.
- Contractions: These feel like strong period pains. Unlike "Braxton Hicks" (practice contractions), real labour contractions get longer, stronger, and closer together.
When to call: Most NHS trusts recommend the 5-1-1 rule: Call your maternity unit when contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting for 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour.
The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist
Aim to have your bag packed and by the door (or in the car) by week 36.
For You:
- The Logistics: Your maternity notes (the most important item!) and a long charging cable for your phone.
- Comfort: Loose, comfortable clothing or a nightshirt for labour. Don't forget an extra-large pack of maternity pads and several pairs of "old-faithful" dark knickers.
- Fuel: Hospitals are notorious for running on their own schedule. Pack plenty of high-energy, easy-to-eat snacks like dried fruit, nuts, or vegetarian energy bars.
- Entertainment: A good book, an e-reader, or a pre-downloaded playlist to help pass the time during early labour.
For the Baby:
- Clothing: Three or four bodysuits and sleepsuits (in a couple of different sizes—you never know how big they'll be!).
- Essentials: A pack of newborn nappies, cotton wool or water wipes, and a cellular blanket.
- Going Home: A warm outfit and a correctly fitted car seat (practice fitting it before the big day!).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 5-1-1 rule for contractions?
The 5-1-1 rule states you should call your midwife or hospital when your contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting for 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour.
When should I have my hospital bag packed?
Most UK midwives recommend having your hospital bags fully packed and ready by 36 weeks of pregnancy in case baby decides to arrive early.
What are the main things to put in a birth plan?
Focus on three main areas: your preferred environment (e.g., pool, lighting), preferred pain relief options, and plans for immediate postnatal care (e.g., who cuts the cord, skin-to-skin contact, vitamin K injection for baby).
Continue the Journey
You've reached the end of our pregnancy guide series — but your journey is just beginning.
Track every week of your pregnancy with our Week-by-Week Pregnancy Tracker, browse carefully curated products for you and your baby in the Shop, or head back to explore all our Pregnancy Articles & Guides.