Pregnancy
When to Go to Hospital in Labour
By Raised Editorial ·
Heading to the hospital too early can slow down your labour, but waiting too long is incredibly stressful. Here is a practical guide to knowing exactly when to grab your bags and go.
You have been having contractions for hours. You are exhausted, excited, and pacing the living room. Is it time to go to the hospital?
One of the most common mistakes first-time parents make is heading to the maternity ward too soon. If you arrive before you are in "active labour" (usually defined as your cervix being dilated to 6 centimeters), many hospitals will simply send you back home to wait.
Here is a guide to help you decide exactly when to make the trip.
The "5-1-1" Rule (and Why It Isn't Perfect)
For decades, birth classes have taught the "5-1-1" rule to help parents decide when to go to the hospital. The rule says you should go when your contractions are:
- 5 minutes apart
- Lasting for 1 minute each
- Have been doing this consistently for 1 hour
While this is a helpful baseline, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) emphasizes that this isn't a strict medical law. If you live 45 minutes away from the hospital, or if this is your second baby (who tends to arrive much faster than the first), waiting for the 5-1-1 mark might mean you are delivering in the car.
Always follow the specific timing guidelines given by your own midwife or obstetrician.
The "Can You Talk?" Test
Often, the intensity of the contractions is a better indicator of active labour than a stopwatch. Early labour contractions are uncomfortable, but you can usually breathe through them, watch TV, or even chat with your partner.
As you transition into active labour, the contractions demand all of your focus. If you cannot walk or talk through a contraction, and you have to stop and breathe deeply to survive it, you are likely in active labour.
Why Staying Home Longer Helps
Hospitals are highly medicalized environments. When you arrive, the change in atmosphere, the bright lights, and the monitoring can trigger a release of adrenaline. Adrenaline is the enemy of oxytocin (the hormone that drives labour).
Arriving too early often causes labour to stall. By staying in the comfort of your own home—where you can take a warm shower, bounce on a yoga ball, and eat freely—you encourage your body to labor more efficiently.
Red Flags: When to Go Immediately
Regardless of your contraction pattern, there are several situations where you should skip the waiting game and go straight to the hospital (or call your provider immediately):
- Your water breaks: If your water breaks, especially if the fluid is green or brown (a sign the baby has passed meconium), you need to be evaluated. Even without contractions, a ruptured amniotic sac increases the risk of infection.
- Vaginal bleeding: A small amount of blood mixed with mucus (the "bloody show") is normal. Heavy, bright red bleeding is not.
- Decreased fetal movement: If you notice your baby is moving significantly less than normal, do not wait for a contraction pattern to establish itself. Get checked.
- Before 37 weeks: If you are experiencing signs of labour before 37 weeks, it is considered preterm, and you need immediate medical attention to potentially stop the labor or prepare for a premature birth.
When in doubt, pick up the phone. Maternity triage lines exist exactly for this reason. Trust your body, trust your instincts, and grab that hospital bag when the time is right.