LESSER KNOWN SIGNS THAT THIS REALLY IS LABOUR

■ Diarrhoea coming and going at regular intervals

■ Dull backache reappearing at regular intervals

■ Low, nagging period-like pain, which moves up and becomes abdominal pain

■ Definite and regular tensing and tightening sensations in the abdomen that may not be painful but indicating contractions of the uterus

■ An intuitive feeling that something is going on, even when there seems to be nothing happening

■ Nesting (keeping busy) or hibernating (taking things very slowly)

■ Feelings of pressure deep and low in the pelvis as your baby’s head presses against the cervix

■ Pain on the front, outside or inside of the thighs

■ Feelings of being in an altered state, difficulty focussing and concentrating