How soon after labor begins should you go to hospital?

Submitted by sonia on Mon, 06/23/2008 - 15:35

It is very tempting to go straight to the hospital as soon as you feel those first contractions. However, the later you can leave your trip to the hospital the better. There are many reasons why you should stay at home as long as possible, some of which are outlined below.

Labor, especially for first time mums, can be incredibly long. So, if you go straight to the hospital you are likely to be hanging around for hours. The midwifes at the hospital may tell you to go home if it is too early anyhow, so stay at home and relax. If you are in a relaxed and happy atmosphere, you are much more likely to give birth quicker than if you are in the hospital for hours on end. You can always go to the hospital if you are worried at all, or if the pain becomes too intense.

The hospital may make you tense and a little uncomfortable, which won’t help speed labor on. If you stay at home, you can relax by taking a soapy bubble bath, have a little dinner (unless it’s 3am!), sleep a little if you can and so forth. Being in somewhere where you feel comfortable is better for you and the baby. You can also make sure that you have everything prepared for when you do go to the hospital.

If you have decided to opt for a home birth, this won’t be an issue to you. Just remember to call the midwife and get everything ready for your baby’s arrival into the world. If you are having a home birth, when you first feel those con tractions is a great time to start getting everything ready. If you are having a water birth, you can get the pool ready and full of water for the birth. You relax and pass time by using a birthing ball to help you get ready. You can also use a tens machine to help ease the contractions and the pain before the birth.
Staying relaxed and being prepared for the birth is a great way to have a controlled and natural birth. Get ready to go to the hospital when your contractions are at least 5 minutes apart. If the contractions start to get more intense over time or if your waters break; it is certainly time to welcome your little one into the world.