Guide
Signs of Labor: When to Go to the Hospital
As your due date nears, it helps to know the signs that labor is starting and when to head to the hospital. This guide walks through the early signs, how to tell real labor from practice contractions, and the situations that mean call now. It is educational, not medical advice.
Early signs labor may be near
You might notice the baby drop lower, lose your mucus plug (sometimes tinged pink), have more Braxton Hicks tightening, feel a low-back ache, or have loose stools. These can come days before active labor.
Real labor vs false labor
Real contractions get longer, stronger, and closer together over time, and do not ease when you move or rest. False (Braxton Hicks) contractions are irregular and often stop with a position change or water. A common guide is the 5-1-1 rule: contractions five minutes apart, lasting one minute, for one hour.
When to call or go now
Call your clinician or go in if your water breaks, you have bleeding more than spotting, contractions follow the 5-1-1 pattern, you feel the baby moving less, or you have a severe headache, vision changes, or belly pain. When in doubt, call; your team would rather hear from you.
This guide is educational and not medical advice. Follow the plan your clinician gives you for when to come in.
Frequently asked questions
- When should I go to the hospital in labor?
- A common guide for a low-risk pregnancy is the 5-1-1 rule: contractions five minutes apart, lasting one minute, for one hour. Go sooner if your water breaks, you bleed, or you feel the baby moving less, and follow your clinician's specific advice.
- How do I know if my water broke?
- It can be a big gush or a slow trickle that keeps coming and you cannot control. If you think your water broke, call your clinician, especially if the fluid is green or you are GBS positive.
- What is false labor?
- False labor, or Braxton Hicks, are irregular practice contractions that do not get stronger and often stop when you move, rest, or drink water. Real labor builds a steady pattern.