HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

Frequently Asked Questions about Labor and Birth

Am I really in labor?

As you get closer to your due date, it’s important to know the difference between actual labor contractions and Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions. When you start having actual labor contractions, time them. Based on the frequency and duration of your contractions, your health care provider will tell you when to call their office or go to the hospital.

Labor contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions

• Contractions don’t happen at regular intervals • Intensity of contractions stays about the same • Interval between contractions doesn’t get shorter • Discomfort is primarily in your lower abdomen • Discomfort is often relieved by walking • Cervix doesn’t dilate

• Contractions occur at regular intervals • Contractions increase in intensity • Interval between contractions shorten • You feel pain in your back and/or lower abdomen • Discomfort doesn’t stop when you walk around • Cervix begins to dilate

When should I go to the hospital or birth center?

Your health care provider will guide you based on their knowledge of your individual health. When you call, they’ll want to know the frequency and duration of your contractions. The general guideline is to go to the hospital or birthing center when you have contractions that are 5 minutes apart and last for about 1 minute for 1 hour (the 5-1-1 rule) . If your water has broken, your provider may tell you to go to the hospital sooner, even if contractions haven’t started. It’s also important to listen to your body and pay attention to your feelings and intuition. If you feel strongly that you need to go to the birth facility, follow your instincts.

What to tell your provider about contractions. Are they: • Growing more intense? • Following a regular pattern? • Lasting longer? • Coming closer together?

Go to the birth facility if: • Your water breaks with a gush or continues to leak

• Your contractions are regular and 5 minutes apart for at least 1 hour • Your health care provider tells you to go • You feel strongly that you need to

46 Your Guide to Labor and Birth