Early labor signs in a first pregnancy often include regular, progressively stronger contractions that become closer together and don’t go away with rest, unlike false labor (Braxton Hicks), which is usually irregular, mild, and improves with movement or hydration. Real labor contractions typically start in the lower back or abdomen and build in intensity over time. Other signs include water breaking (a sudden gush or slow leak of fluid) and loss of the mucus plug, which may indicate the cervix is starting to open but doesn’t always mean labor is immediate. You should go to the hospital or contact your doctor when contractions are about 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour (5-1-1 rule), or immediately if your water breaks, there is heavy bleeding, decreased baby movement, or severe pain, especially in a first-time pregnancy.