When to Call the Midwife: Your Guide to Early Labour and Heading to Hospital by Donna Cox, Antenatal Classes Auckland

Donna Cox
5 days ago
4 min read

Pregnant woman rubbing her belly in antenatal classes Auckland.

You’ve washed the baby clothes, packed your hospital bag (twice), and set up the bassinet. But now that your due date is getting closer, there’s one question lingering in your mind…

“How will I actually know when I’m in labour?”

As someone who’s been guiding families through this Birth & Baby journey for over 15 years, I want to help you feel calm, prepared, and confident when those first twinges begin. So let’s talk about the early signs of labour, when to call your midwife, and how to decide when it’s time to head to the hospital.

Because spoiler alert: It’s not always like the movies!

1. Understand the Early Signs of Labour

Labour isn’t a single moment — it’s a process. For many first-time mums, it can take hours (or even days) before active labour kicks in. In the early stages, you might notice:

Cramping low in your belly or back (like period pain)
Loose stools or a “clear out” feeling
Loss of the mucus plug (aka the “bloody show”)
Irregular tightenings that come and go
A general sense that something is shifting

These early labour signs are your body’s way of warming up. If you’re ever unsure, it’s totally okay to call your midwife just for reassurance. That’s what they’re there for.

2. Timing Contractions: The 5-1-1 Rule

A common guideline for deciding when to head to the hospital is the 5-1-1 rule:

Contractions every 5 minutes
Each lasting at least 1 minute
Continuing for 1 hour

If your contractions have that steady rhythm and are getting stronger, it might be time to ring your midwife and prepare for hospital. (Unless, of course, your care provider has given you different advice based on your situation — always follow their guidance.)

3. What to Do in Early Labour: Rest, Nourish, Breathe

Early labour can be long, and pacing yourself is key. Here’s what I recommend:

Eat something nourishing (energy counts in labour!)
Try a warm shower
Rest or sleep if you can
Practice hypnobirthing techniques — slow breathing, affirmations, or a visualisation you learned in class
Keep the lights low and the vibes calm

If you’ve taken one of my Antenatal Classes in Auckland, you’ll remember that early labour is like the “warm-up act” — your body is getting ready, and so should you. Remember all the vital ingredients your body needs to progress like we talked about in class.

4. When to Call Your Midwife

Always call your midwife if:

Your waters break (especially if the fluid is green or brown)
You’re bleeding more than a light show
Your baby’s movements change
You have a gut feeling something isn’t right
Your contractions follow the 5-1-1 pattern
You just need support or reassurance — seriously, no question is too small

Your midwife wants you to feel safe and supported. You don’t have to wait until you're curled over in pain to call.

5. If You’re Practising Hypnobirthing…

Hypnobirthing can help you stay calm and grounded — especially in those early hours where excitement and anxiety can mix. Use this time to:

Listen to your birth tracks or calming playlist
Set up your space: low light, cozy smells, comforting objects
Use your breath to work with your body (not against it)
Use the yoga for a easier birth video to help get baby in the best position for birth

One of the beautiful things about hypnobirthing is that it gives you tools to stay in control and tune into your body — whether you’re at home or heading to hospital. Hypnobirthing can

Reduce PAIN

Reduce ANXIETY

Reduce FEAR

Reduce INTERVENTIONS

= positive, calm birth experience 90% of people used hypnobirth techniques said

"contractions were completely manageable and were comfortable."

6. Heading to Hospital: Don’t Rush It

The biggest myth? That you need to rush to hospital as soon as contractions start.

In reality, you’re usually more comfortable labouring at home for as long as it’s safe. The hospital is there when you need it, but home is often where you’ll feel more relaxed, mobile, and in control in early labour. Check out the cheat sheet we discussed in antenatal class to help you with this stage of labour it has all my top tips!

If you’re feeling unsure, that’s what your midwife is for — to help you figure it out.

You’re Not Alone, You’re Just Early

Early labour can be full of “Is this it?” and "should i go to hospital?"moments, but trust me — with a bit of knowledge and support, you’ll know when the time is right. Birth isn’t something to figure out perfectly. It’s something to feel your way through. Remember knowledge is power, the more you know about labour & birth the more confident you feel. The m ore confident you feel the better birth outcomes.

If you’re looking to feel more confident about birth, baby care, and what to expect, my Antenatal Classes in Auckland are the perfect place to start. I cover everything from early labour signs to hypnobirthing tips, all in a relaxed, fun environment (with snacks and tea, of course!).