Pregnancy

When to Go to the Hostpital

This is one question that you should talk over with your doctor or midwife. If this is, your first child and you go too early either you will be sent home or you will have a very long stay in the hospital.

It can be very hard to tell you if are in actual labor especially if your are pregnant for the first time, or you do not remember having Braxton Hicks contractions or what is commonly called false labor with any of your other children.

Your doctor may certain instructions for you if you are considered a high-risk pregnancy or if you have had any type of complications with previous pregnancies.

However, there are signs you can watch for to know when it is time if your doctor has not given any specific instructions such as true labor versus false labor. False labor or Braxton Hicks are contractions that do not get closer together and are usually mild. True labor is usually felt in the lower back and get closer and close together and last longer. Contractions normally start about 20 minutes apart and only last a few seconds, then they are as close as 5 minutes apart lasting 1 minute or longer. Most doctors recommended that you head to the hospital when the contractions are around 5 minutes apart.

If your water breaks, you should not wait until the contractions are a certain length of time apart, you should head to the hospital immediately. Pay attention to the color of the fluid you are losing. Is it yellow, brown or greenish? If so, this could be a sign that your baby is in trouble.

You may also notice a bloody mucous. This is normal. The bloody show as it is called is lost as your cervix begins to dilate. You do not have to go to the hospital when you notice this; however, you should let your doctor know.

If you baby becomes less active, you should go to the hospital. This could also be a sign that the baby is in trouble.

If you have any type of vaginal bleeding besides the mucous plug mentioned above. If the bleeding is accompanied by a fever, sever headaches, abdominal pain, or you notice a change in your vision, you should go immediately to the hospital.

Any type you begin to have contractions prior to your 37 week, you should call your doctor. If you are in pre-mature labor you baby may be at risk to be born pre-maturely.