It is generally time to go to the hospital for contractions when:
- For first-time mothers, contractions feel strong, last 45 to 60 seconds each, and happen every 3 to 4 minutes for at least 2 hours.
- For mothers who have given birth before, contractions occur every 5 minutes for at least 1 hour.
- Your water breaks (whether contractions have started or not) and you notice any color or odor in the fluid.
- You experience heavy or bright red vaginal bleeding.
- Contractions are regular, painful, lasting about one minute each, and occurring every 5 minutes for more than two hours.
- Other signs such as decreased baby movement, vaginal bleeding beyond a small "bloody show," or other pregnancy complications may warrant an earlier hospital visit.
If uncertain or if having complications like high-risk pregnancy or multiple babies, contact your doctor or midwife promptly for personalized advice.
In summary, timing contractions, their strength, frequency, and additional signs such as water breaking or heavy bleeding guide the decision of when to go to the hospital. Generally, active labor indicated by contractions about 5 minutes apart lasting about a minute each is the key signal.
