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When to Go to the Hospital

When to Go to the Hospital

When to Go to the Hospital

When to Go to the Hospital

Talk with your doctor or midwife about when you should call Labor and Delivery and go to the hospital. Our recommendations may depend on:

How far away you live from the hospital.
Whether this is your first child.
How long your previous labors have lasted.
If you’re known to carry group B strep.
Whether we’re concerned about possible complications.

To be ready when labor starts, write down or save these numbers in your phone:

Labor and Delivery Department at your facility.
Appointment and Advice Call Center (1-866-454-8855).

If this is your first baby

Unless we’ve told you otherwise, call when contractions:

Are regular, or every 3 to 5 minutes over the course of an hour. Count from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.
Last at least 45 to 60 seconds. Contractions that last only 30 seconds are usually early labor or Braxton Hicks.
Become much stronger when you’re walking.

If this isn’t your first baby

Unless we’ve told you otherwise, call when contractions:

Are every 5 to 7 minutes. Count from the start of a contraction to the start of the next.
Last at least 45 to 60 seconds.
Become stronger when walking.
Are so strong you can’t walk or talk through them.

Disclaimer

If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.

This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.