When to go to hospital?

[thehappyprince]

I'm just curious - not currently pregnant, but when I went into labour I followed the advice in the NHS book and called when contractions were 5mins apart. They pretty much said stay home as long as you can stand it. When you can't, come in. (my waters hadn't broken). I went in several hrs later, only 2-3cm dilated and decided to go home again as still too early for gas & air / epidural. Just an hr or so later, I felt like I needed a big s*t (!) but thought couldn't be baby as had still been in prelabour. waited another couple of hrs then decided just to go back to hospital and promptly had membranes ruptured and told to push as was fully dilated. Big s*t feelings clearly ds trying to get out! It made me wonder whether I left it too long to go back. Would be interested if anyone knows what criteria are used if any other than waters breaking and pain.

With DD I went in when contractions were 5 mins apart and was 5cm dilated. With DS I didn't have any of the early labour contractions. I literally had a contraction for 30 secs every minute. I convinced myself this must be early labour and went in after about an hour sort of thinking I would be sent home. DS was born 27 mins later. {grin] What I amtrying to say is second babies can come alot quicker anyway so go in when you feel its right. I dont know what the guidance was as I found I didnt bother reading any of the guidleines etc wih the second one. I just remember a midwife saying not to hang aboput as second babies can come so quickly.

Thanks micegg, good advice I think! Don't want any dc2's arriving unexpectedly in the car park..

I was told to wait until contractions are at least a minute in length and 1-2 mins apart.

I left it far too late dd arrived on the bedroom floor 2 mins after my waters went. Mind you first contraction was at 2.50 and she was born we think about 3.03 or 3.06. Just in time to meet her brother and sisters arriving home from school.