When to Go to Hospital in Labour

The general rule

For a straightforward pregnancy, the guidance is to head to hospital when your contractions are regular, coming every 5 minutes, each one lasting about 60 seconds, and this pattern has continued for at least an hour. This is sometimes called the 5-1-1 rule.

However, this is a guideline, not a rigid rule. If this is not your first baby, things can progress faster and you may want to go in sooner. If you live far from the hospital, factor in travel time and leave earlier. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, call.

Always go in straight away if

Some situations require immediate assessment regardless of whether contractions have started.

Your waters break and the fluid is green, brown, or has a strong smell. This may indicate meconium in the amniotic fluid, which needs prompt monitoring.

Heavy vaginal bleeding. A small amount of blood-tinged mucus (a show) is normal. Bright red bleeding that soaks a pad is not. Contact your maternity unit immediately.

Your baby's movements have changed or reduced. If you notice your baby is moving less than usual, or the pattern of movement has changed significantly, always get checked. Do not wait until the next day.

Severe headache, visual disturbances, or sudden swelling of face and hands. These can be signs of pre-eclampsia, which needs urgent assessment.

You feel the urge to push. If you feel an uncontrollable urge to bear down, your labour may be progressing very quickly. Call your maternity unit and follow their advice.

You feel something is not right. You do not need a specific symptom to justify calling. Midwives would always rather hear from you and reassure you than have you stay home worrying.

What to do before you leave

Call the maternity unit triage line first. They will ask about your contractions, whether your waters have broken, and how you are feeling. They will advise whether to come in now or wait.

Grab your hospital bag. If your birth partner is not with you, let them know. Make sure the car seat is installed. Eat a light snack and drink some water before you leave.

Having someone else drive is almost always the better option, as contracting while seated and buckled in can be very uncomfortable.

What happens when you arrive

You will be assessed by a midwife in triage. This usually involves checking your blood pressure and temperature, listening to the baby's heart rate, a vaginal examination to check dilation, and asking about your contractions and birth plan.

If you are in early labour (cervix less than about 4cm dilated), you may be advised to go home and come back when things have progressed. This is not a rejection. Early labour is usually best managed at home where you can eat, rest, and move around freely.

If you are in active labour, you will be admitted to a delivery room.

The second time around

If this is your second or subsequent baby, labour often progresses faster. The latent phase is typically shorter, and active labour may be quicker too. Err on the side of going sooner rather than later.