Regular contractions, a show, backache, or waters breaking can signal labour, but labour unfolds differently for each person. Do not wait for complete certainty. Call your maternity unit when labour may be starting and report gestational age, contractions, fluid, bleeding, and fetal movement; the team can advise based on your history.
Key takeaways
- 01
Maternity and local emergency numbers
- 02
Gestational age and due date
- 03
Contraction log
1. Track contractions and changes
Time each contraction from start to finish and the interval from one start to the next. Labour contractions often become longer, stronger, and more regular, but not everyone follows one pattern. A pink show may appear hours or days before labour; bleeding beyond a small blood-streaked show is not something to watch at home.
- A clock is enough; no special app is required
- Note fetal movement at the same time
2. Call urgently, even at night
Call the maternity unit immediately for waters breaking or suspected leaking, vaginal bleeding, reduced fetal movement, labour signs before 37 weeks, unusually frequent or prolonged contractions, constant pain between contractions, fever, severe headache, visual change, or simply a strong sense that something is wrong. If there is a strong urge to push or the baby seems imminent, call local emergency services rather than travelling far yourself.
- Report unusual colour or smell of fluid immediately
- Your hospital's individual instructions take priority
3. Prepare a 60-second call
Give your name, gestational age, due date, previous births or caesareans, complications, contraction onset and frequency, whether waters broke, fluid colour, bleeding, and fetal movement. Keep records, identification, a minimal bag, and two transport options ready. Do not eat, take medicines, or try online labour-induction methods against your own team's advice.
- Save the maternity or emergency entrance
- Assign one caller and one transport lead
Practical checklist
- Maternity and local emergency numbers
- Gestational age and due date
- Contraction log
- Fluid colour, bleeding, and fetal movement
- Records, identification, and minimal bag
- Two transport plans
How NIMO built this guide
NIMO writes and localizes each guide for Vietnamese families, then checks key facts against the official references below. The links support the guide; they are not the guide itself.
Edited by NIMOVietnamese expert review pending
Fact-check references
This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice. For severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, or unusual unresponsiveness, contact a local medical facility or emergency service immediately.