Labour & birth
When should I go to the hospital?
When contractions are strong and about five minutes apart, if your waters break, or with any warning sign at any stage.
Go in for regular painful contractions every 5 minutes for an hour, waters breaking, any vaginal bleeding, reduced baby movements, severe headache or visual changes, fever, or if you simply feel something is wrong.
If you live far away or have had a fast labour before, leave earlier. Do not wait for morning.
What you can do
- Know your facility and how you will get there
- Keep your maternity record and bag ready
- Do not wait at home if you are worried
When to seek care
- Bleeding at any stage
- Reduced or absent movements
- Severe headache, visual changes or fits
- Waters breaking before 37 weeks
Any of these warning signs means go to the nearest hospital straight away, day or night.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.