When you have regular, painful contractions lasting one minute each and occurring at least every five minutes for more than two hours, it's time to go to the hospital. This is the transition from early to active labor.
Triage is the assessment area for maternity where we assess many needs, not just labour. You may be referred to triage by your GP, community midwife or you may contact us directly after 20 weeks of pregnancy, up to 6 weeks after delivery of your baby.
Go to the hospital if you’re not sure whether you’re in false labor or true labor. It’s healthier for you and your baby to err on the side of caution.
The worst that can happen is that you might be in false labor and have to come home and wait. But, that’s safer than if you’re in true labor and delay going to the hospital.
It might feel like an emergency, but skip the emergency room and make a beeline for labor and delivery when you get to the hospital. A very useful tip, especially if this is your first baby, is for you and your partner to do a practice drive to the hospital so you know exactly where to go.
Once you’re at the hospital, your doctor or nurse can tell whether you’re in real labor with a physical checkup. You might also have an ultrasound. The ultrasound scan shows the length and angle of the cervix. A shorter cervix and a bigger angle between the uterus (womb) and cervix mean you’re in true labor.
If you are delivering at home or at a birthing center, you still need to practice a dry run to make sure you are prepared and have everything you need.
when to go to the hospital during pregnancy?
