I'm in Labor - When Should I Go to the Hospital?
If you've watched many movies or TV shows where a character goes into labor and there is suddenly a chaotic rush to the hospital, you may be a little surprised to learn that, in many cases, this isn't really how it works! While a small percentage of women will deliver very quickly after labor begins (called a “precipitous labor”), the average first-time parent will labor for 12-14 hours before delivering the baby.
Should You Stay Home During Early Labor?
For the most part, a lot of moms would be more comfortable at home during early labor. The birth is not imminent and your contractions are not usually very long or uncomfortable yet. You can walk around, lie in your own bed, eat your own snacks, take a bath or shower, and relax and wait for things to kick into high gear.
More importantly though, the hospital arrival and check in process represents a disruption in your routine, and the hormone production that advances your labor progress. If you wait to arrive at the hospital until you are in active labor, you'll be less aware of disruptions and your labor is less likely to slow down. If you are interested in avoiding medical interventions where possible, this plan may be able to help reduce the likelihood that you will need your labor to be augmented.
Finally, early on in labor your cervix is not yet dilated very far. Many eager parents have arrived at the hospital too early only to be told that they are not yet in active labor, and sent back home! This can be very frustrating to parents who are anxious to meet their baby, so it's best to think it through before rushing to the hospital at the first contraction.
How Do You Know It's Time to Go to the Hospital in Labor?
While you should always talk to your doctor about when to arrive at the hospital for your specific situation, in most cases they will advise you to go by the “4-1-1” rule of thumb:
Contractions 4 minutes apart
Lasting at least 1 minute each
Pattern holds (or increases) for at least 1 hour
You may also notice some emotional and physical changes. Your contractions require you to breathe and focus until they're over, and you may experience feelings of overwhelm. Some women also feel shaky in their legs and arms in advanced labor. Grab your hospital bag, it might be time to have a baby soon!
If your water breaks, or if you're having a high-risk pregnancy, or if at any time you have a gut feeling that you should be at the hospital, staying home during early labor may not be right for you. Your birth plan, support team, intuition, and medical care provider can all help support you as you choose the right time to head to the hospital and welcome your baby.