1) Contractions start, getting closer together and more intense as time goes by. During this stage the cervix progressively opens
2) Once the cervix is 10cm dilated, the baby can be pushed out
3) The placenta comes away after the baby is born

- Low backache or low pelvic cramps (like period pain) that come and go regularly
- You may have a 'show' – thick mucous from the vagina, sometimes blood-streaked
- Contractions become increasingly painful. They gradually become longer, stronger and closer together
- Your waters may break – either as a gush or as a constant trickle of watery fluid from the vagina

- Any vaginal bleeding
- Unusual headaches, unexplained vomiting, visual disturbances
- Your baby's movements are reduced
- You have abdominal pain that is constant, or your tummy is very sore or tender to touch in one area
- You feel unwell