Most physicians and midwives suggest contacting them when your contractions are five minutes apart and lasting 60 seconds and you have had this activity for about an hour.
Then you reach your doctor or midwife, be prepared to tell him/her:
- How far apart the contractions are, their length and intensity, and if you are using breathing techniques
- Whether or not the bag of waters has broken, the time it broke, and the color of the fluid
- If a bloody show is present.
You will be instructed when to leave for the hospital. If you are a first-time mother and are able to manage the contractions at home, new research is suggesting that first-time mothers should continue to stay at home until it is difficult to breathe through the contractions. However, if you live a great distance from the hospital, are concerned about not getting there on time or have other special concerns, plan on leaving sooner.