When do you go to the hospital when in labour?

[bumperlicious]

Just wondering when you usually go in to hospital, and should you ring them as soon as you think you are in labour? Also, just one more question, what is usually the first sign of labour?

First sign of labour varies. Mine was back pain which came and went (basically mild contractions).

My hospital said we should come in when contractions were every 2-3 minutes and lasting at least 45 seconds each (we are about a 15-20 min drive away), if we got any continuous pain, were bleeding, if waters went and had meconium in them or if we felt really ill. They asked us to phone in first as they talk to you for 10-15 mins and try to assess what is going on. Your midwife should discuss all of this with you near the time.

You can ring the hospital any time for advice. It is best to wait at home as long as you possibly can as long as you do not have any problems in your pregnancy. In early labour a bath and paracetamol is often advised. Everyone is different but contractions often feel like period pains low down in your stomach which can radiate round to your back and down your thighs. Some women feel all of their contractions in their back.

first sign can be

having a show

waters breaking

contractions starting

ir just the contractions

or waters break and nothing happens

or you can have a show and nothing for a week, so it is all so different

but regular , rhythmic contractions, that increase in intensity, and the time between them diminishes, lasting around 1 minute, is a reliable indication on the whole!!

i would try and manage until contractions 5 minutes apart , or 3 !! as you are more likely then to be in established labour and dilating, or you might end up being sent home

also, at home, you can use, TENS, or water as pain relief, keep moving, active, mobile and not restricted..you can eat and drink as you feel you need to

you should call to let them know, and they will most likely advise when you should come in

The contractions should also stop you in your tracks - that is you need to stop what you are doing and breathe through them. Depends how far away from the hospital you live as to how often they should be coming. Usually at least every 5 mins.

If everything is ok and your waters haven't gone wait until contractions really, really hurt, and are coming every few minutes. Its so much nicer being at home at the beginning and if you wait quite a while before going in you really appreciate the gas and air when you get there!

With both of mine I waited til I could no longer stand when I was having a contraction- this seemed about right, both times I was straight into delivery and they were born within a few hours.

My first signs were: dd, waters breaking (but no contactions for a while, when they came they were in my thighs) ds, niggling contractions that built and built, mainly in my back