When is it Time to Go to the Maternity Ward?

For most people, labour starts with contractions. Initially, they tend to be irregular, but over time they become more frequent and intense. When it's time to go in can depend on several factors such as:

• How often the contractions occur, but most importantly how they feel and how you are managing them at home.
• Whether you have given birth before.
• How far you have to travel to the hospital.
• If your waters have broken, the colour of the amniotic fluid and how many hours have passed since the rupture.
• If you as a pregnant person have any risk factors that could affect the labour.

Always call the maternity ward first if you have any labour symptoms. When you call the maternity ward, a midwife will answer. The midwife will ask questions to guide you about the ongoing labour. These questions usually concern your pregnancy and any underlying illnesses, the frequency of contractions, their duration and intensity, and your wishes and needs. Together with the midwife, you will make a plan whether it's time to go to the maternity ward or you can receive advice and support to manage labour at home.