When to Go to the Hospital in Labour

As your due date nears, one question looms large: when is it actually time to go? Here’s a calm, practical guide — but always follow your own provider’s specific instructions first.

Real labour vs. false alarms

Braxton Hicks (practice contractions) are usually irregular, don’t get closer together, and often ease if you change position or drink water. True labour contractions get longer, stronger, and closer together over time, and don’t stop when you move around.

The 5-1-1 rule

A common guideline for a first baby:

• Contractions about 5 minutes apart
• Each lasting around 1 minute
• Sustained for at least 1 hour

When you hit that pattern, it’s often time to call your provider or head in. Our contraction timer tracks the frequency and duration for you, and flags when you reach 5-1-1.

Some providers prefer 4-1-1 or have their own guidance — and if you’ve had a fast labour before or live far from the hospital, you’ll likely be told to come sooner.

Go now, regardless of the timer, if:

• Your waters break (note the time, colour and smell)
• You have vaginal bleeding (more than light spotting)
• You notice reduced or absent baby movements
• You have severe or constant pain, a severe headache, or vision changes
• You simply feel that something is wrong — trust that instinct

Pack early, breathe often

Have your hospital bag ready by around week 36, know your route, and keep your provider’s number handy. Then try to rest and conserve energy — you’ll want it.

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Counting down? Track your contractions with our private contraction timer →