In Labour? When To Go To The Hospital

Well the time has finally come! You’ve been building up to today for nearly ten whole months. It’s time to go to hospital and deliver your baby.

If you are having a hospital birth, you’re best to go to hospital when your labour is well under way. Sometimes labour stops and starts, and it may take a while (even a day or two) for your labour to get established.

This is why it is a good idea to ring the Maternity Unit first. See our post on When to contact the Maternity Unit  for more information.

During this time whilst your labour gets established, you will be better off pottering around at home during the day. You can make the most of your nesting frenzy cleaning like crazy or just fluff around and keep yourself busy.

If it is night time, try to rest or sleep between your contractions. Now is a good time to get as much rest as you possibly can. Remember that you may not get much sleep the following night if you are still in labour then. It’s also possible you’ll be a parent by then who may or may not be getting much rest!

It is a good idea to eat and drink if you feel like it. Most women feel hungry and thirsty during labour, particularly in the early stages. Eating small snacks or sipping on drinks can even help you to cope better with labour.

For helpful hints on what to eat before labour see our post on Pooing during labour it’s normal!

You are likely to be in established labour if:

• Your contractions are less than 5 minutes apart and are coming in regular waves.
• Your contractions last about a minute.
• You can no longer talk through them but have to concentrate fully on them.
• Your contractions feel so strong that you want to see the midwife or doctor.

Once your labour is established, or if you live a long way from the hospital as it establishes on the drive in, it’s time to go to hospital. Let them know you’re on the way if you haven’t already called, relax, breathe and go give birth to your baby!

Source: Mid North Coast Area Health, NSW Health

Krissy Hacker is a wife and SAHM of 2, mad gardener, crafty lady, confectioner and fabulous cook. She loves reviving old school ways of doing things and would do anything to get out of housework!

If you become concerned about any symptoms please seek immediate medical attention we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice  https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/

SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information.  All information provided is correct at time of publication.