What's the signs and symptoms that you're giving birth?

Early signs of labour that you can look out for (http://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/pregnancy-and-birth/birth/getting-ready-for-birth/the-early-labour-signs-you-need-to-look-out-for): - Your waters break - Heartburn relief - Backache - Your nipples leak - Diarrhoea - Swollen down below - Frequent toilet stops - Sudden burst of energy - Walking differently - Contractions​ Here’s another very useful article highlighting the main points to take note of: http://sg.theasianparent.com/4-pre-labour-symptoms/ From this article, the most common four signs of labour are: - Persistent lower back or abdominal pain, often accompanied by a crampy premenstrual feeling - Vaginal bleeding called show (a brownish or blood-tinged mucus discharge). If you pass out the mucus plug that blocks the cervix, labour could be imminent or days away - Painful contractions that occur at regular intervals, each lasting only 30 seconds - Clear water flowing from the vagina (broken water bag), but you’re in labour only if it is accompanied by painful contractions And you should contact your doctor immediately if: - Your water bag breaks, or if you suspect you’re leaking amniotic fluid your baby is moving less than usual. - You have vaginal bleeding (unless it’s just a small amount of blood-tinged mucous). - You have fever, severe headaches, and changes in your vision and/or abdominal pain. Watch out for regular contractions, which are sure signs of labour.

My friend gave birth prematurely so when she went into labour, she did not think anything was amiss except the fact that she was awakened by the worst stomachache in the history of stomachaches (her words haha). Since she was still weeks away, she was convinced that it wasn't labour and actually tried to go back to sleep. Moreover, since her husband was working the night shift, she didn't want to bother anyone with a "stomachache". Luckily her mom was staying over and insisted that she went to the hospital. True enough, my dear stubborn friend was found out to be in labour when they got to the hospital. Baby came a few hours later (healthy). So the moral of the story, never ignore tummy aches of any kind when you are in your 3rd trimester.