The common signs are an increase in the strength and painfulness of you contractions, and they will start coming more regularly. Once they are happening every 5-10 minutes, or if you aren't able to cope with the pain at home, then you should transfer to the hospital as your cervix may be starting to dilate. If your waters go (sudden 'gush' or 'pop' with the loss of a lot of clear fluid) then you should telephone your delivery unit, in most cases you should be seen there relatively soon. If you have fresh bleeding, or constant tummy pain with any of the above, you should go directly to your local hospital. In all cases, it is a good idea to phone them first just to let the doctors and midwives what is happening.
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