When to Go to the Hospital for Contractions (and When to Call Now)

Most providers want you to call or come in once your contractions are regular, strong and close together, often summarized as the 5-1-1 rule: every 5 minutes, lasting about 1 minute, for 1 hour. Some want you in sooner, especially if you've given birth before or live far away. And some signs mean you should call right away, whatever your contractions are doing: your water breaking, bleeding, constant severe pain, or your baby moving less than usual.

Important: This article is general information, not medical advice. Your provider's instructions come first. If you're unsure whether to go in, call them.

Go In When Contractions Are Regular, Strong and Close Together

Timing contractions is the best way to know when it's time. Guidance differs a little between providers:

Source	When to call or come in
5-1-1 rule (UT Southwestern)	Every 5 minutes, each lasting at least 1 minute, for 1 hour
Kaiser Permanente, first baby	Every 3 to 5 minutes over an hour, each lasting at least 45 to 60 seconds
Kaiser Permanente, given birth before	Every 5 to 7 minutes, each lasting at least 45 to 60 seconds
Cleveland Clinic	Contractions lasting about 60 seconds, every 3 to 5 minutes
NHS (UK)	Regular contractions every 5 minutes or more often: call your midwife or maternity unit

In each case, "every 5 minutes" is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Our free contraction timer works this out for you and shows when your contractions have matched the 5-1-1 (or 4-1-1 or 3-1-1) pattern for a full hour. For more on the rule itself, see the 5-1-1 rule explained.

Along with the timing, labor contractions usually:

• Get stronger and longer over time
• Come closer together
• Keep going whether you rest, walk or change position
• Become intense enough that you can't walk or talk through them

(ACOG, Cleveland Clinic)

Call or Go In Right Away If…

Don't wait for a contraction pattern if you have any of these:

• Your water breaks, with or without contractions
• Heavy or bright red bleeding (more than light, pinkish mucus)
• Constant, severe pain with no relief between contractions
• Your baby is moving less than usual
• You're less than 37 weeks pregnant and think you might be in labor
• A contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes
• You're having 6 or more contractions in 10 minutes

These come from ACOG and the NHS. The NHS is clear: don't wait until the next day, call immediately, even in the middle of the night.

If you're not sure whether your baby is moving less, lie on your side and pay attention to movements, or use our online kick counter. If movements feel different from your baby's usual pattern, call. Don't wait to count to 10. More in our guide to decreased fetal movement.

Before 37 Weeks: Signs of Preterm Labor

Before 37 weeks, don't wait for a 5-1-1 pattern. ACOG lists these signs of preterm labor (ACOG):

• Mild abdominal cramps, with or without diarrhea
• A change in vaginal discharge (watery, bloody or with mucus), or more of it
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
• A constant, low, dull backache
• Regular or frequent contractions or tightening, often painless
• Your water breaking, as a gush or a trickle

If you have any of these, call your provider straight away.

Early Labor: Staying at Home

Early (latent) labor is usually the longest part of labor. Cleveland Clinic says it typically lasts 6 to 12 hours, and MyHealth Alberta notes it can last up to 2 to 3 days. Contractions are often irregular, about 5 to 20 minutes apart, and may even stop for a while (Cleveland Clinic, MyHealth Alberta). Most people spend it at home. The NHS suggests:

• Eat and drink, so you have energy for later
• If it's night, try to rest or sleep
• If it's daytime, stay upright and gently active, which can help your baby move down
• Breathing exercises, massage, or a warm bath or shower can ease the pain

(NHS: stages of labour)

It's also common to go in and be told you're still in early labor. Your provider may suggest you labor at home until contractions are stronger. That's normal. Keep timing and call again when things change.

Call Before You Go

Unless it's an emergency, phone your provider or labor and delivery unit before you leave. Both the NHS and HSE advise this. Have this ready:

• Your contraction timing: how far apart, how long, and for how long they've been like this. The timer's Share summary button gives you a ready-to-read summary.
• Whether your water has broken (and the color of the fluid)
• Any bleeding
• How your baby is moving
• How many weeks pregnant you are, and whether this is your first baby

Plan the Trip Ahead of Time

• Know your route and how long it takes. ACOG suggests allowing for traffic, rush hour and delays. If you live far away, you may be told to leave earlier (HSE).
• Have your hospital bag packed and the car seat installed well before your due date.
• Save the labor and delivery phone number in your phone and your partner's.
• Ask at a late-pregnancy appointment which rule your provider wants you to follow (5-1-1, 4-1-1 or something else), especially if this isn't your first baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I go to the hospital when contractions are 5 minutes apart?

Many providers use the 5-1-1 rule: go in or call when contractions are 5 minutes apart, last about 1 minute, and have kept that pattern for 1 hour. Some want you in sooner, especially if you've given birth before or live far away. Follow your own provider's instructions.

Should I go to the hospital if my water breaks but I have no contractions?

Yes. ACOG advises going to the hospital if your water has broken and you're not having contractions. Call your provider on the way so they know you're coming.

How long can early labor last?

Early labor is usually the longest part of labor. Cleveland Clinic says it typically lasts 6 to 12 hours, and MyHealth Alberta notes it can last up to 2 to 3 days. Most people spend it at home.

What if I go in and I am sent home?

That's common in early labor. If your contractions aren't yet strong and regular, your provider may suggest you labor at home until they are. Go back or call again when the pattern changes or you have any warning signs.

Should I call before going to the hospital?

Yes, unless it's an emergency. Calling lets your provider or the labor and delivery unit tell you whether to come in now and get ready for you. Have your contraction timing ready when you call.

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Time your contractions with our free contraction timer. In the weeks before labor, TinyKicks helps you count your baby's kicks every day, and times contractions when labor starts.

Sources

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: How to Tell When Labor Begins
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Preterm Labor and Birth
• NHS: Signs that labour has begun
• NHS: The stages of labour and birth
• Kaiser Permanente: Labor: When to Go to the Hospital
• Cleveland Clinic: Contractions and Stages of Labor
• UT Southwestern Medical Center: Braxton Hicks contractions vs. true labor
• HSE: Timing your contractions
• MyHealth Alberta: Early Stage of Labour at Home