When to Go to the Hospital
Guidelines for knowing when it's time to head to hospital or birth center during labor.
Overview
Timing your hospital arrival is important - going too early may lead to interventions, while waiting too long risks delivering en route. Use the 5-1-1 rule as general guidance for first babies.
The 5-1-1 rule: contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for 1 hour. However, call immediately if water breaks, you have bleeding, or something feels wrong.
Every pregnancy is different. Second babies often come faster. Trust your instincts and call your provider if unsure.
💡 Key Points
- •5-1-1 rule: Contractions 5 min apart, 1 min long, for 1 hour
- •Go immediately if water breaks
- •Go if bleeding or something feels wrong
- •Active labor is usual time (6cm dilated)
- •Second babies often progress faster
- •Call provider first for guidance
📖 What to Know
- →May be sent home if in early labor
- →Laboring at home initially is often helpful
- →Use contraction timer app
- →Stay hydrated and nourished early on
- →Different providers have different guidelines
- →Consider drive time to hospital
- →Have backup transportation plan
✓ How to Prepare
- →Know your provider's specific guidelines
- →Save hospital labor & delivery phone number
- →Practice route and parking
- →Know where to enter after hours
- →Have hospital bag packed by 36 weeks
- →Discuss timing with provider at appointments
- →Trust your instincts - call if concerned
🛍️ Must-Haves for Trimester 3
Comfort and preparation products other expecting parents find helpful at this stage. These are convenience picks, not medical advice — always follow your provider's guidance.
Full-Body Pregnancy Pillow
U-shaped support for side-sleeping that helps take pressure off hips and back.
Check Price on Amazon →Hospital Bag Robe & Slippers
Cozy robe, socks and slippers to make your hospital stay feel more like home.
Check Price on Amazon →Nursing & Maternity Bras
Soft, stretchy wireless bras sized for changing curves and easy feeding later.
Check Price on Amazon →Newborn Diapers & Wipes
Stock the essentials early so you are not running out in those first busy weeks.
Check Price on Amazon →Amazon Associates Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. These recommendations are editorially chosen comfort and preparation products and are not medical advice.