Signs of Labor: When Should You Go to the Hospital?

Signs that labor is approaching: The baby dropping (breathing gets easier, but you need to pee more often), losing the mucus plug (pinkish or brownish jelly-like discharge), Braxton Hicks contractions, a burst of energy (nesting instinct), loose bowel movements. These can be early signs that labor is near.

Braxton Hicks vs true contractions: Braxton Hicks are irregular, may stop when you change position, are generally painless, and are felt in the front of the abdomen. True contractions come at regular intervals, increase in intensity, radiate to the back and lower back, and don't stop with position changes.

5-1-1 rule: If contractions come every 5 minutes, each lasting at least 1 minute, and this has continued for at least 1 hour, it may be time to go to the hospital. In these situations, we recommend heading in sooner: your water breaking, vaginal bleeding, a noticeable decrease in your baby's movements, or a severe headache.

Water breaking: Amniotic fluid should be colorless and odorless. A greenish or brownish color may indicate the presence of meconium — contacting your doctor is important in this case. After your water breaks, using a pad and going directly to the hospital is the safest approach.