Sign out
Knowing exactly when to go to the hospital for your baby’s birth can be tricky. No two pregnancies are alike, and no one can predict when labor will begin. There are signs you can watch for that let you know that your baby is coming soon.
How your body prepares for birth
In the days and weeks before you give birth, your body goes through many changes. Some signs that your labor might be getting close are:
- Your baby settles into your pelvis.
- Contractions become stronger and more frequent. For some, they might be painful.
- Your cervix starts to thin and open. You might notice more mucus, or you could lose your mucus plug. Both are completely normal.
Early labor
You might assume that whenever you start contractions you should go to the hospital, but that isn’t always true. Early labor with mild to moderate contractions can last for days or weeks.
During early labor, contractions might come irregularly or start and stop several times. They usually last about 30 to 45 seconds. As these contractions occur, your cervix continues to thin and open.
Early labor can be uncomfortable. Listening to music, watching TV, walking around, or taking a warm shower or bath can help you feel better. If it is nighttime, try to rest or sleep. Make sure to drink water and eat lightly to keep up your energy.
Knowing exactly when to go to the hospital for your baby’s birth can be tricky. No two pregnancies are alike, and no one can predict when labor will begin. There are signs you can watch for that let you know that your baby is coming soon.
How your body prepares for birth
In the days and weeks before you give birth, your body goes through many changes. Some signs that your labor might be getting close are:
- Your baby settles into your pelvis.
- Contractions become stronger and more frequent. For some, they might be painful.
- Your cervix starts to thin and open. You might notice more mucus, or you could lose your mucus plug. Both are completely normal.
Early labor
You might assume that whenever you start contractions you should go to the hospital, but that isn’t always true. Early labor with mild to moderate contractions can last for days or weeks.
During early labor, contractions might come irregularly or start and stop several times. They usually last about 30 to 45 seconds. As these contractions occur, your cervix continues to thin and open.
Early labor can be uncomfortable. Listening to music, watching TV, walking around, or taking a warm shower or bath can help you feel better. If it is nighttime, try to rest or sleep. Make sure to drink water and eat lightly to keep up your energy.
Timing your contractions
When your contractions become stronger and more regular, it’s a good idea to start timing them. This can help you know when to go to the hospital. Contractions are timed from the start of one contraction to the start of the next one.
If this is your first baby, you should go to the hospital when:
- Contractions that are too painful to talk or walk through come every three to five minutes over a period of one hour.
- They last for at least 45-60 seconds.
- Your water breaks. Usually there will be a big gush, but can be a continuous leak.
If you’ve already had other children, go to the hospital when:
- Contractions occur every five to seven minutes.
- They last for at least 45 to 60 seconds.
- Your water breaks.
It’s common to go to the hospital during early labor and be sent home again until your contractions become stronger and you progress to active labor.