When To Go To the Hospital

How do you know when it’s time to head to the hospital once you're in labor? It’s one of the most common questions expectant parents ask — and for good reason. You want to be sure you’re going at the right time, especially if it’s your first baby.

Most obstetricians and midwives recommend calling when your contractions are five minutes apart, last about 60 seconds and have been consistent for at least an hour.

When you call, try to share as much detail as you can. Your care team will want to know: 

• How long and intense the contractions are, how far apart they occur and whether you're using breathing techniques
• If you’ve noticed a bloody show
• Whether your water has broken, what time it happened and the color of the fluid 

Based on what you share, your doctor or midwife will guide you on when to come in. If it’s your first baby and you’re managing contractions comfortably at home, research shows it can be helpful to wait until it’s hard to talk or breathe through them. But if you live far from the hospital, feel unsure or just want peace of mind, it’s perfectly OK to leave earlier. 

What To Expect When You Arrive 

When you arrive at labor and delivery, you’ll check in and get settled. A nurse will check your blood pressure and temperature, may collect blood and urine samples and place monitors on your belly to track the baby’s heart rate and your contractions.

Next, a nurse, doctor or midwife will do a vaginal exam to see how far along your labor is — checking how open (dilated) and thinned out (effaced) your cervix is.

From there, your care team will decide whether to admit you or have you return home to let labor continue. They’ll consider: 

• How far along your labor is
• How strong and frequent your contractions are
• How dilated your cervix is
• What the baby’s heart rate shows 

Active labor typically means contractions are less than five minutes apart, last 45 to 60 seconds and your cervix is dilated to at least 3 centimeters.

If You’re Sent Home 

If you’re still in early labor and asked to come back later, you might feel disappointed — maybe even a little embarrassed. That’s completely normal, and you’re definitely not alone. Many people go through this.

While you wait for labor to pick up, try to relax and keep your body moving gently. Here are a few things that may help: 

• Drink water or juice to stay hydrated
• Listen to music you enjoy
• Rest when you can
• Take a warm shower
• Try a short walk
• Watch a favorite movie 

If you're admitted and have had a positive culture for Group B Beta Strep during your pregnancy, or have other risk factors, you'll receive antibiotics prior to delivery.