When is it Time to Head to the Delivery Room?

Labor typically starts with contractions for most people. They are usually irregular at the beginning but become closer together and stronger over time. The right time to go can depend on several things, such as:

• How frequently the contractions occur, primarily how they feel and how you're handling them at home.
• Whether you've given birth before.
• How long your drive to the hospital is.
• Whether your water has broken, the color of the amniotic fluid, and how many hours it has been since it broke.
• Any risk factors you have that might affect your delivery.

Always call the maternity ward first if you have any labor symptoms. When you call the delivery room, a midwife will answer. The midwife will ask questions to help guide your continued labor. These questions typically pertain to your pregnancy and any underlying conditions, the frequency and duration of your contractions, how they feel, and what your preferences and needs are. Together with the midwife, you will decide whether it’s time to go to the delivery room or if you can get advice and support to manage labor at home.