Remind me - when are you supposed to call the hospital?

[Kif]

I've just googled this, and I'm getting vague wishy washy american platitudes...

How often should contractions be when I am supposed to call the hospital if I'm generally inclined towards spending as much time as possible at home?

My midwife seems to think I'm prone to precipitous labour, on the basis that I spent less that 40 mins in hospital before Ds was born. It didn't feel precipitous during the long preceeding night, so I'm taking that view with a bit with a pinch of salt.

I'd rather stay at home long as possible, and i don't really want an audience/fuss/talk to anyone until we're definitely 'no going back'. However, the amount of blood I lose after birth means definitely like to be in hospital when i actually deliver. ...

So- when to call?

And - while I'm asking - is it me or is 'take a paracetamol and go to bed' idiotic advice for early labour?

I'm sitting here, contracting away, bouncing on my gym ball.... surely going back to bed will just give me more pain, slower labour, not to mention will be a bit dull? Bad enough I've been waking up every X minutes for the last half hour...

First: Congratulations!

I wish you a quick and pain-free labour.

I would think that when your contractions are 5 minutes apart that you should make the move. Longer, stronger and closer together kind of advice from here.

I am more of a 'take a paracetamol and bounce on the ball'' kind of person. I can see the argument for getting sleep while you can though....

You certainly won't be getting much in the coming weeks so why start the trend early? My favourite labour was with DB#3 because it started out slowly just after midnight which meant that I had already had a few hours kip.

How are you doing now?

I just spoke to the midwife at the hospital as I'm due to be induced today but have been having regular contractions now since half past 4. Mine are 10 mins apart lasting for a minute roughly and she said if they get to 5 mins apart to go over.

OTOH I was told to ring the maternity ward to see about bed availability for the induction and was told that if my contractions haven't yet reached the five mins apart 'rule', I am to go there at 8:30, so either way, I will be having my baby today!

Good luck with it all. I tried to get some sleep but the contractions won't let me, hence my early morning MN!

I did go back to sleep! Contractions extended from 6 minutely to 10 minutely, and I was so disappointed to imminent baby I took the paracetamol and went back to bed.

Guess was prob good idea - got another 3 hours shut eye before pain woke me up again.

Hopefully things will take hold properly this morning.

How are you - Lazylou?

Knackered now but have just spoken to my parents and they are on their way round to take care of DD. DH is still in bed and I am sitting here contemplating getting ready to move. Don't know whether to get in the bath or if that will slow it all down. The contractions seem to be getting slightly closer together now, so am keeping an eye on them.

Do you feel a bit better for the extra rest, if a little despondent?

Definitely better... everyone else is asleep!

Don't know what to make of the contractions. they are very variable. I'd always thought that was a sign you weren't established - though that thinking is what ended up with me only being in hossie 40 mins before ds...

bath prob would slow things down. I'd climb some stairs or scrub some cupboards instead if you're on the list for induction today.

Goodluck to both of you! Xxx

I was told that I shouldn't ring the hospital until contractions were at least a minute in length and 1-2 mins apart but I only live 10 minutes away.

hey hey! Guess who's sitting here with a brand new l'il bub chewing on their nipple?

I ended up in hospital at 5pm yesterday - and then I was only 3cm dilated - so obv 2am was a little early to be thinking about calling!

Congrats Kif

We need more details though .....

Hurrah - good for you Kif. What flavour is it?

Little boy .

Details... well I think my last baby's speedy arrival had me primed for a 'sneeze and the baby shoots out' kind of event. It felt long and arduous - though I'm in great shape afterwards - which I guess is a trade off.

Any news from lazylou?

Congrats Kif. How lovely, well done. Xxx

Don't want to hijack your thread totally Kif with my details, but yes, little boy born on Wednesday at 5:35am. 15.5 hours first stage, 4 hours second stage. Ended up in theatre for a forceps delivery having had an epidural that did nothing.

Congratulations Kif on your news btw!

Congrats to you too Lazylou. Well done to both of you, glad everyone here safe and well. Goodluck X

wahey! Congrats lazylou.