When should I go to hospital?

It may seem tempting to rush to hospital as soon as you feel the first twinges but the longer you stay at home, the better.

The last thing you want is to be waiting around for hours at the hospital, where the medical atmosphere could make you tense and anxious, when you could be enjoying the comforts of your own home. Similarly you don't want to arrive at the hospital to early and get told go home again.

Laboring in familiar surroundings has many advantages – you’ll be surrounded by your home comforts, and your birth props, such as:

A birth ball Lots of women find a birth ball useful in labor, as you can lie on it, rock on it while sitting or lean over it for support. Lots of women also report using them after their baby is born to sit on with their baby in their arms gently rocking, as the motion helps to send babies to sleep).

TENS machine These small units send mild electrical pulses into the body via electrodes placed on the skin and are thought to block pain signals from reaching the brain. They’re good if used properly but can be tricky to master, so have a practice run before you go into labor. See natural pain relief for more pain relief options.

If your waters break, or your contractions are five minutes apart and get stronger over time, or if you experience any vaginal bleeding, call your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife and head for your hospital or birthing center.

When you get there you’ll be asked a series of questions about your labor so far – whether your waters have broken; if you’ve experienced any contractions (if so how long, and how far apart?); when you last ate; whether you’ve had a show or any vaginal bleeding. You’ll have your blood pressure, pulse and temperature checked and you’ll be asked for a urine sample to test for protein (a sign of pre-eclampsia).

You’ll have an internal examination to see if your cervix has dilated at all  (if it hasn’t you may be advised to return home until you’re in active labor). The OB-GYN or nurse-midwife will feel your tummy at some point to check your baby’s position.

If you’re found to be in established labor, you’ll be admitted. If you have a birth plan, show this to your caregivers once you’re settled in and have time to talk through it with them.

See hospital birth for more help.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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