Getting the timing right
Everybody’s labour is different so there’s no hard and fast rule about when to go to the hospital. Generally though, it’s best to call your health care professional or the hospital first so they can assess whether they think it’s time for you to go in.
- If this is your first baby, you should call when your contractions are five minutes apart and lasting around 30 or 40 seconds. They’ll probably tell you to make your way to the hospital very soon
- For second, third or later babies, you should call when your contractions are roughly seven minutes apart. Your health care professional will advise you beforehand if they want you to call before you’ve got to the seven minute stage
- Always call your health care professional if you are concerned about yourself and your baby or if you need reassurance about what is happening
Whatever your history, you should discuss this with your doctor well before you feel those first contractions!
What your health care professional will want to know?
The reason to call before going to the hospital is so that your health care professional can listen to your breathing and your voice while you’re having a contraction. They’ll be able to get an idea of the strength of your contractions and how you’re coping by the changes in your voice.
- They’ll ask you how you’re doing and when you last felt your baby move.
- They’ll want to know how long the contractions have been happening, how far apart they are and how long they last.
- They’ll ask if your waters have broken or you have any vaginal discharge or bleeding.
- They’ll then advise you whether or not to go in to the hospital or wait a bit longer.
Signs that you should call your health care professional or hospital straight away
If any of the following happen, you should get in touch with your health care professional or hospital immediately.
- If you’re less than 37 weeks pregnant and are feeling contractions
- If you haven’t felt your baby move normally for them, or there have been less than 10 movements in any 12 hour period. If you are ever concerned about your baby’s movements (if they are absent, reduced or very active!) at any point in your pregnancy you should call your health care professional
- If your contractions are too strong for you to cope with
- If your waters break
- Any vaginal bleeding
If you aren’t able to call, head straight to the hospital so that they can make sure everything is OK and give you the attention you need. Don’t be afraid to call for an ambulance if you’re on your own and unable to get to the hospital yourself.
Could it be a false alarm?
Before you’ve experienced the real thing, the practice labour contractions of Braxton Hicks can make you think your baby’s almost ready to make their big entrance. If in doubt, call your health care professional and get their opinion first.