Signs of Labor and When to Go to the Hospital
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Noreen Iftikhar, MD on June 27, 2020
A simple rule for when to go to the hospital for labor is the 5-1-1 rule for timing contractions. That said, it’s not always easy to recognize labor. Let’s hope you have a timer handy because if you’re reading this, you may need to time your contractions, grab your bag, and head to the hospital. Here’s a rundown on what to expect and when you should head to the hospital for labor.
The 5-1-1 Rule for Timing
If your contractions happen at least every 5 minutes, last for 1 minute each, and have been consistent for at least 1 hour. This is called the 5-1-1 rule.
How to Recognize Labor
As the calendar hovers close to your due date, you notice every little twinge. Is that gas, the baby kicking, or a sign you’re about to meet your little one? Or maybe you’re experiencing signs of labor a bit earlier than expected. How can you tell whether it’s go-time, or if your body is just preparing for what’s to come?
For most women, labor starts much differently than in the movies. On screen, labor comes on as a big surprise when the character’s water breaks. But it’s important to note that — in real life — only about 8 percent of women experience their water breaking. Usually, the signs of labor are much more subtle and gradual. Your process will be different from a friend’s and even from your other pregnancies.
Early Labor and Physical Changes
Labor normally has two parts: early labor and active labor. Early labor (also known as the latent phase of labor) is usually still some time away from the actual birth. It helps your baby get into place for birth. During early labor you’ll start feeling contractions that aren’t too strong. The contractions might feel regular or come and go. This lets your cervix (the opening to the womb) open and soften.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), early labor is the period of time when your cervix dilates up to 6 centimeters. During this phase, you might also feel your little one move around and kick more than they usually do, or feel additional pressure of the baby “dropping” into place. This is because they’re trying to move down head first (hopefully) into the birth canal.
As your birth canal opens the mucus plug to your cervix may pop out. This is a completely normal part of birth. You might have a clear, pink, or even red glob or discharge in your underwear, or notice it when you wipe after using the restroom.
Summary of Labor Signs and Guidelines
- The 5-1-1 Rule: Contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute each, for 1 hour.
- Early Labor (Latent Phase): Cervix dilates up to 6 centimeters.
- Physical Indicators: Baby "dropping" into place, increased kicking, and the passing of the mucus plug.
- Water Breaking: Occurs as an initial sign in only about 8 percent of women.