When to Head to the Hospital for Labor: Key Signs to Watch For
Wondering if it’s early labor or active labor? True labor or false labor? Discover the essential signs that indicate when it’s time to go to the hospital for labor.
One of the most reliable guidelines for deciding when to go to the hospital during labor is the 5-1-1 rule: contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute each, consistently for at least 1 hour. However, recognizing labor isn’t always straightforward.
If you’re reading this, it’s a good idea to have a timer ready to track contractions, pack your hospital bag, and prepare to head out. The 5-1-1 rule means contractions occur every 5 minutes, last about 1 minute, and continue steadily for an hour.
That said, distinguishing real labor from false labor can be challenging. As your due date approaches, every sensation might make you wonder if labor has begun—whether it’s gas, baby kicks, or the start of labor.
Sometimes labor signs appear earlier than expected. How do you tell if it’s time to go or if your body is just gearing up? Here’s a detailed guide on what to expect and when to go to the hospital for labor.
Understanding Labor Signs
Labor rarely starts like the dramatic scenes in movies where water breaks suddenly. In reality, only about 8% of women experience their water breaking as the first sign.
Most labor signs are subtle and happen gradually. Your experience will be unique, differing from friends or previous pregnancies.
Labor consists of two main stages: early labor and active labor.
Early Labor
Early labor, or the latent phase, is when labor is just beginning and birth is still some time away. This phase helps position your baby for delivery. Contractions during early labor tend to be mild and irregular.
During early labor, your cervix softens and dilates up to 6 centimeters, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
You might notice your baby moving more or feeling extra pressure as they drop into position, head-first, preparing for birth.
The mucus plug may also come away during this time—a normal sign. You might see clear, pink, or slightly bloody discharge.
Though early labor can cause discomfort and achiness, it’s usually not time to go to the hospital yet. Recent studies reveal early labor can last hours or even days, with slow cervical dilation.
Early labor may pause and resume. While waiting, keep your hospital bag ready and try these comfort measures:
- Relax as best you can
- Walk around indoors or outdoors
- Rest in a comfortable position
- Have your partner massage your back gently
- Practice breathing exercises
- Meditate or use calming techniques
- Take a warm shower
- Apply cold compresses
- Focus on staying calm
Allowing early labor to progress naturally at home may reduce the chance of needing a cesarean section.
Active Labor
Active labor begins when your cervix is dilated about 6 centimeters, though you’ll only know this after a medical checkup.
Signs of active labor include stronger, more regular contractions that come closer together. Timing contractions is helpful—note their frequency and duration.
Indicators of active labor include:
- Intense contractions
- Contractions 3 to 4 minutes apart
- Each contraction lasting about 60 seconds
- Water breaking
- Lower back pain or pressure
- Nausea
- Leg cramps
During active labor, the cervix dilates from 6 to 10 centimeters. Contractions may accelerate if your water breaks.
At this stage, it’s important to head to the hospital or birthing center promptly—especially if you’ve had previous births, as labor often progresses faster the second time around.
Distinguishing True Labor from False Labor
Sometimes contractions occur without real labor starting—this is false labor or prodromal labor. It’s common, affecting over 40% of pregnant women near term.
False labor contractions often feel like Braxton-Hicks contractions, usually irregular and not leading to cervical changes.
Here’s how to tell true labor from false labor:
| Symptom | False Labor | True Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Contraction relief | Improves with walking | Does not improve with walking |
| Contraction intensity | Remains the same | Increases over time |
| Contraction frequency | Stays consistent | Becomes closer together |
| Contraction location | Usually front only | Starts in back, moves to front |
| Vaginal discharge | No blood | May include blood |
Timing and Communication
Midwife Shannon Stallock advises informing your healthcare provider when early labor begins, as active labor can start sooner than expected. Labor tends to be shorter for women who have given birth before.
If you have a scheduled cesarean, you might not go into labor naturally. However, if labor starts before your planned date, contact your doctor immediately—it may require an emergency cesarean.
Where to Go When Labor Starts
If you’re uncertain whether it’s true or false labor, it’s safer to go to the hospital. The worst case is being sent home, which is safer than delaying care during real labor.
Upon arrival, head directly to labor and delivery, not the emergency room. If this is your first baby, consider doing a practice drive to the hospital beforehand.
At the hospital, your provider will perform a physical exam and may use ultrasound to assess cervical changes, confirming true labor.
If planning a home or birthing center delivery, prepare by practicing setup and ensuring emergency plans are in place, including quick access to hospital transport.
Urgent Symptoms Requiring Immediate Hospital Visit
Seek emergency care right away if:
- Your water breaks
- There is blood in vaginal discharge
- You feel a strong urge to push
Summary
If your contractions are consistently 5 minutes apart, last about 1 minute, and continue for an hour or more, it’s time to go to the hospital. Remember the mantra: “longer, stronger, closer together” means baby is on the way!
If contractions are mild and irregular, you may be in early labor—resting at home can support a smoother delivery.
False labor is common; when in doubt, call your healthcare provider to ensure safety for you and your baby.
No matter the stage, take a deep breath and get ready to welcome the newest joy in your life.
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