When Should You Go to the Hospital?

Be ready for labor when it happens by knowing what to look for and what to expect.

The signs of labor vary from woman to woman, so it can be difficult to know when is the right time to go to the hospital. Generally, if you experience the signs below, it's time to go to the hospital.

If This Is Your First Baby

  • You have painful contractions that occur every 3 to 5 minutes, lasting 45 seconds and are regular for 2 hours
  • You have vaginal bleeding similar to your period, or greater
  • Your water breaks

If This Is Not Your First Baby

  • You are experiencing severe pain with no relief between contractions
  • You have strong contractions that occur every 3, 5 or 7 minutes apart, lasting 30 seconds and are regular for 1 hour or more
  • You have vaginal bleeding similar to your period, or greater
  • Your water breaks
Find a San Diego OBGYN
To find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego OBGYN or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

For More OBGYN, Pregnancy and Childbirth Information
To find general information about pregnancy and childbirth, visit Pregnancy and Childbirth in Adult Health or read the Pregnancy and Childbirth News archive.