Ethan Rhodes
Knowing when to go to the hospital for labour can be tricky. It's different for every pregnancy, and it's common to think that the first signs of contractions are the cue to go to the hospital, but that's not usually the case. Early labour can last for several hours or even days, and many people go to the hospital too soon and wind up being sent home. However, if you're experiencing contractions that are happening at least every five minutes, lasting for a minute each, and have been consistent for at least an hour, it's time to head to the hospital. Other signs that indicate it's time to go to the hospital include your water breaking, vaginal bleeding, and your doctor or midwife telling you to go.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of contractions | Every 5 minutes or fewer |
| Duration of contractions | 1 minute each |
| Consistency of contractions | 1 hour or longer |
| Intensity of contractions | Forceful and painful |
| Cervix dilation | 6 centimeters or more |
| Ultrasound results | Shorter cervix and bigger angle between uterus and cervix |
| Water breaking | Gush or trickle of amniotic fluid |
| Vaginal discharge | Bloody or bright red |
| Baby's movement | Less than usual |
| Diarrhea | |
| Lower back pain | |
| Intuition |
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What You'll Learn
Packing an overnight bag
Firstly, remember to pack your insurance card and other important documents. It is also a good idea to include your phone charger, as you will want to be able to make calls and stay connected with your loved ones. In addition, pack any toiletries and cosmetics you may need, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush, and any other personal care items.
Next, consider packing comfortable clothing and nightwear. Pack loose-fitting clothes that will be comfortable during labour and postpartum. Don't forget to include a nursing bra and comfortable underwear. You may also want to bring slippers or comfortable shoes, as well as a dressing gown or warm cardigan.
It is also important to pack items specifically needed for labour. This includes any birth preferences or plans you have prepared, as well as any items that may help during labour, such as a birthing ball or massage tools. You may also want to bring music or other forms of entertainment to help you relax.
Lastly, don't forget to include items for your baby. Pack an outfit for your newborn, including a hat and blanket to keep them warm. You may also want to bring nappies, wipes, and any other baby care essentials.
Remember to tailor your overnight bag to your personal needs and preferences, and feel free to add any additional items that will make your hospital stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
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Timing contractions
Firstly, it's important to note that early labour can last for several hours or even days, so you probably won't need to rush to the hospital as soon as contractions start. During early labour, contractions may not occur at regular intervals and may last 30 to 45 seconds each. They may feel like intense period pains and come in waves, getting stronger when you move around.
If you're experiencing true labour contractions, they will be more frequent, occurring every five minutes or fewer, lasting for a minute each, and will have been consistent for at least an hour. This is known as the 5-1-1 rule. If you are a first-time mother, you may want to head to the hospital when your contractions are five minutes apart for an hour. If you've given birth before, you can wait until they are between five and ten minutes apart for an hour.
It's a good idea to time your contractions and note their duration and frequency. You can do this manually or use a contraction counter app. If your contractions become more consistent, longer in duration, and more painful, it's time to call your doctor or midwife. They may tell you to stay home a bit longer if your contractions aren't lasting for a full minute yet. However, if you feel the urge to bear down and push, or if you experience any bleeding or bright red discharge, you should head to the hospital.
Remember to pack your hospital bag in advance, ideally by the time you reach 32 to 35 weeks of pregnancy, and don't forget to factor in traffic when planning your ride to the hospital.
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Signs of early labour
Contractions during early labour may feel like intense period pains and come in waves, getting stronger when you move around and lasting 30 to 45 seconds each. They may be regular or irregular and are usually mild to moderate, occurring more than five minutes apart (and up to 20 minutes apart). However, as labour progresses, contractions will become more frequent, lasting longer, and more painful.
Other signs that labour is progressing include diarrhoea and lower back pain. If your contractions are occurring every five minutes or fewer, lasting for at least a minute each, and have been consistent for at least an hour, it's a good indication that you are in active labour and should head to the hospital.
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When to call the doctor
If this is your first pregnancy, call your doctor or midwife when your contractions are five minutes apart for one hour or more. If you've given birth before, call when your contractions are between five and ten minutes apart for one hour.
You should also call your doctor if your water breaks, you experience any bleeding or bright red discharge (not brown or pinkish), or if you experience blurred or double vision, a severe headache, or sudden swelling.
If you're not sure if you're in labor but think you might be, get on the phone. Once you've got your practitioner on the phone, they will let you know when to go to the hospital or a birthing center.
During early labor, contractions aren't necessarily happening at regular intervals. They might last 30 to 45 seconds each and can be mild to moderate in intensity. Early labor can last for several hours or even several days, so you probably won't be heading to the hospital or calling your practitioner just yet.
However, once contractions start coming more frequently, are more consistent, longer in duration, and more painful, it's time to call your doctor or midwife. They won't mind if you call too early, but they may tell you to stay home for a bit longer if your contractions aren't lasting for a full minute yet.
It's a good idea to start timing your contractions after you've had a few in a row. Note how long they last and how often they happen. You can use a kick-counting notebook or a contraction counter app to help with this.
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What to expect at the hospital
Once you arrive at the hospital, a doctor or nurse will be able to confirm whether you are in true labour through a physical checkup. You may also have an ultrasound scan to show the length and angle of your cervix. A shorter cervix and a bigger angle between the uterus and cervix indicate that you are in true labour.
If you are delivering your first baby, you may spend longer in the pushing phase than those who have given birth before. After giving birth, you will deliver the placenta, which usually takes around five to 30 minutes.
If you are in early labour, you may be sent home. It is recommended that you rest at home during this phase, as it can last for several hours or even days.
If you are in active labour, your cervix will dilate from about 6 to 10 centimeters. This phase usually happens at the hospital and can take around eight hours on average.
If you are in true labour, you will likely be admitted to the hospital and monitored closely until you give birth. Your care team will provide support and guidance throughout the entire process.
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