Sometimes it can be confusing to know whether or not true labor has begun, and occasionally you should head to the hospital for reasons other than going into labor. Here are a few key things to look for that indicate it’s time to check in for an evaluation.

• Leaking fluid, with or without contractions. If you are close to your due date and your “bag of water” breaks, go directly to the hospital and do not wait for contractions.
• Regular, strong contractions: 3-5 minutes apart, from the start of one to the start of the next, and increasing in strength, going on for more than an hour. If you are unsure if you’re in labor and it’s during office hours, you may contact our office to see if you can be checked there first. Labor that begins before 37 wks needs to be evaluated as soon as possible at the hospital.
• Bleeding (more than just spotting).
• A decrease in baby movement, or absence of baby movement
• For additional information go to How to Tell When Labor Begins.