When should I leave for the hospital?

Contractions

When you feel that the contractions come back at regular intervals, note the duration of each one and their frequency.

Wait until they have been stable for more than an hour before deciding anything.

Labor for a first baby is usually long and lasts an average of twelve hours from the time the waters break. Rushing to the hospital too quickly would do you no good.

Tip: the longer you stay at home, the shorter your delivery time will seem to you once in the hospital.

What to do

Take this opportunity to practice your breathing and pain management techniques. If the contractions get stronger and closer, every 5 to 10 minutes, it's time to leave the house for the hospital.

However, don't forget to call the maternity ward to announce your arrival; obstetrics departments and delivery rooms appreciate being notified of your eventual arrival. Remember the instructions of your doctor,your midwife or your carer. For women who are in their 3rd or 4th pregnancy or who have a pregnancy at risk, they must follow the advice of their attending physician to the letter, because labor may require attention. special or be done faster.

Time contractions

Have a clock or watch with a second hand, a piece of paper and a pencil handy.

When you feel the first twinges or contractions, note the time of each. Quickly, you will be able to know if the big moment has arrived! Every 20 minutes, every 15, every 12, etc. When you notice regularity in your contractions and a decrease in rest time, labor has probably started.

The timing becomes important, especially from the contractions every 5 minutes, since at this stage, it informs you of your state - stable for a very long time or rapidly accelerating. The closer the contractions are, the more intense they are and the closer you will need to get to your delivery room.

In general, contractions do not last more than 40 seconds.