When should you go to the hospital with contractions?
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Go when your provider or maternity unit tells you to. Usually you call them once your contractions match the rule they gave you, such as 5-1-1, and they decide with you whether to come in. Call straight away, whatever your contractions are doing, if your waters break, you are bleeding, your baby moves less, the pain is constant or it is before 37 weeks.
Call before you go
Many maternity units and birth centers ask you to call before you set off. They may ask how you are feeling, how far apart your contractions are and whether your waters have broken. Then they may suggest staying home a little longer or coming in.
Keep the number saved in your phone and written down. Have your history open in Popzy when you call, so you can read out your timings.
Plan the trip
- Know the route, where to park, and which entrance to use at night.
- Allow for traffic, weather and time of day. A trip that is quick at midnight can be slow at rush hour.
- Arrange for someone else to drive. It is not safe to drive yourself during labor.
- Keep the car seat installed, and put a towel and a pad in the car in case your waters break on the way.
- If you have other children, have someone ready to look after them.
If the baby seems to be coming on the way, pull over somewhere safe, turn on the hazard lights and call emergency services. They will talk you through what to do.
When you arrive
You will usually be seen in an assessment or triage area first. Your care team may ask about your contractions, your waters and how your baby has been moving, check your blood pressure, pulse and temperature, listen to your baby's heartbeat, and offer an internal exam. The exam is your choice, and you can ask questions first.
If labor is still early, you may be offered the choice to go home and come back later. This is common, especially with a first baby, and it does not mean you did anything wrong.
Related questions
What if I am not sure whether it is time?
Call your provider or maternity unit. They take calls like this all the time, and getting checked is never a waste of anyone's time.
When should I go in for a home birth?
For a planned home birth, call your midwife when your contractions match the pattern they gave you, if your waters break, or if anything worries you. Keep a bag packed in case you transfer.
Get Popzy on iPhone and Android
Popzy is not a medical device. It times contractions and does not replace advice from your midwife, doctor or maternity unit. If you are unsure, or if your waters break, you notice bleeding, your baby moves less or anything feels wrong, call them.