When to Call Your Doctor During Labor
Mar 24, 2025
Rita Singha
Pregnancy Health
Knowing when to call your doctor during labor can protect both you and your baby. Here’s what to watch for and when to act:
Contractions: Use the 5-1-1 rule - contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute each, for 1 hour. First-time moms may wait longer, but experienced moms should act sooner.
Water Breaking: Clear or pink fluid is normal, but green, brown, or foul-smelling fluid needs immediate attention.
Heavy Bleeding: Bright red or heavy bleeding is a red flag.
Reduced Fetal Movement: If your baby moves less than 10 times in 2 hours, call your doctor.
Preterm Labor: Signs of labor before 37 weeks, like contractions or water breaking, require urgent care.
Track your contractions, note symptoms, and call your provider with details like fluid color, bleeding, or fetal movement. Early action can prevent complications like oxygen deprivation or infections.
Quick Tip: Use contraction tracking apps or a log to stay organized.
Pregnancy and Labor: When to Call Your Doctor | Ohio State Medical Center
Labor Signs: When to Take Action
Knowing how to distinguish between preparatory pains and true labor can save you unnecessary trips to the hospital while ensuring you get timely care when it matters. Here's how to recognize the signs and understand the difference between true and false labor.
True Labor vs. False Labor
Did you know that over 40% of pregnant women mistake false labor for the real thing? This is often due to Braxton Hicks contractions, which are your body’s way of gearing up for labor. But these contractions are not the same as true labor contractions - and there are clear ways to tell them apart.
The first clue lies in timing and consistency. True labor contractions come at regular intervals and grow progressively closer together, typically lasting 30–70 seconds each. On the other hand, false labor contractions are irregular and don’t follow a predictable pattern.
Movement can also help you differentiate. True labor contractions persist no matter what - whether you’re walking, sitting, or lying down. In contrast, false labor contractions often ease up or disappear entirely when you change positions or move around. Another telltale sign is where you feel the contractions. True labor often starts in the lower back and radiates to the front of the abdomen (or vice versa), while false labor is usually felt only in the front.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you spot the differences:
Feature | True Labor | False Labor (Braxton Hicks) |
|---|---|---|
Regularity | Regular and predictable intervals | Irregular and inconsistent |
Strength | Grows stronger over time | Remains weak or varies |
Location | Moves between back and abdomen | Felt only in the front |
Response to Movement | Continues despite movement | Often stops with position changes |
Cervical Change | Leads to dilation and effacement | No effect on the cervix |
Main Signs of Labor
When true labor begins, there are several key indicators to watch for. The most prominent sign is the onset of regular, strong contractions that intensify over time, leading to cervical dilation and effacement.
Your water breaking is another major sign, though it happens before labor starts in only about 8% of pregnancies. This can range from a sudden gush to a slow, steady trickle of clear fluid. If the fluid appears green or has a foul odor, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Another signal is an increase in vaginal discharge, often referred to as the "bloody show." This is the release of the mucus plug and can occur days before labor starts. However, if you notice bright red or heavy bleeding, it’s crucial to call your provider right away.
To stay prepared, track the timing and duration of your contractions so you can provide accurate information to your healthcare team. If your water breaks, use a pad (not a tampon) to monitor the fluid’s color and consistency. Reduced fetal movement or a ruptured water bag are also signs that you should seek immediate medical attention.
Emergency Situations That Need Immediate Medical Attention
Some situations during pregnancy or labor call for immediate medical care to ensure the safety of both you and your baby. Recognizing these warning signs can be critical for a safe delivery. Here’s a breakdown of key emergencies and what to watch for.
Unusual or Concerning Fluid Discharge
When your water breaks, the fluid should typically be clear or have a slight pink tint. If the fluid appears green, brown, or yellow, it could signal meconium exposure or an infection - reach out to your healthcare provider right away. Additionally, if you notice any fluid leakage before 37 weeks, it might indicate a preterm rupture of membranes, which also requires prompt medical attention.
Heavy Vaginal Bleeding
It's important to differentiate between a normal bloody show and heavy, continuous bleeding. Bright red bleeding, especially if accompanied by pain or contractions, is a red flag. Contact your provider immediately. After delivery, excessive bleeding can lead to symptoms like low blood pressure, a racing heart, dizziness, and weakness, all of which need urgent care.
Reduced or No Fetal Movements
By the third trimester, you should feel at least 10 movements from your baby within a two-hour period. If you notice a significant decrease in activity, it’s time to call your provider. Every baby has its own rhythm, so if something feels off with your baby’s movements, trust your instincts and get it checked out.
Early Labor Before 37 Weeks
Labor signs before 37 weeks - referred to as preterm labor - need immediate evaluation. Regular contractions, a ruptured water bag, or fluid leakage before this point are all reasons to contact your healthcare provider. Babies born prematurely may face serious health challenges due to underdeveloped organs, so acting quickly is essential.
Timing Your Contractions: When to Call
Knowing how to time your contractions is crucial for deciding when to contact your healthcare provider. It’s all about keeping track of how long each contraction lasts and how far apart they are. Many providers use specific timing guidelines to help determine the right moment for you to head to the hospital or birthing center.
One of the most common guidelines is the 5-1-1 rule: contractions that are 5 minutes apart, last 1 minute each, and have been consistent for at least 1 hour. However, these guidelines might vary depending on your individual situation, so it’s always good to discuss this with your provider in advance.
To track contractions, note the start time, how long each one lasts (in seconds), and the intervals between them. The duration is measured from the start to the end of a contraction, while the interval is timed from the start of one contraction to the start of the next, including the rest period in between.
First-Time Mothers vs. Experienced Mothers
When to call your provider can depend on whether this is your first baby or you’ve given birth before. First-time mothers typically experience longer labors, with early labor often lasting 6 to 12 hours. Because of this, they can usually wait a bit longer before heading to the hospital.
For first-time mothers, most providers suggest calling when contractions are strong, last 45 to 60 seconds each, and occur every 3 to 4 minutes for at least 2 hours. This allows you to labor at home comfortably for as long as possible, reducing the chances of arriving at the hospital too early.
For experienced mothers, the timeline is often shorter since labor tends to progress more quickly. The general recommendation is to contact your provider when contractions are occurring every 5 minutes for at least 1 hour.
"We teach our moms the 5-1-1 rule on when to go to the hospital. That's when you have a contraction that's painful, lasts a full minute and comes every five minutes for one hour", explains G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, Lead OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center.
Interestingly, recent studies suggest that first-time mothers might benefit from staying home until contractions make it hard to breathe or talk through them, rather than relying solely on timing patterns.
Tools to Track Contractions
Tracking contractions can be made easier with the help of apps that record and analyze the timing for you. These tools can generate clear reports to share with your provider, taking some of the stress off during labor.
If you prefer a hands-on approach, use a written log with three columns: start time, duration (in seconds), and interval (in minutes). Having a birth partner, midwife, or doula assist with timing is especially helpful as labor intensifies and focusing on the clock becomes more difficult.
Track your contractions for at least an hour to identify consistent patterns. True labor contractions will grow stronger, longer, and closer together over time, while false labor contractions tend to remain weak, irregular, and inconsistent.
What Happens When You Call Your Healthcare Provider
When you call your healthcare provider during labor, they’ll need specific details to assess your situation and guide you appropriately. Having this information ready can make the conversation smoother and more efficient.
Your provider will ask targeted questions to determine whether you should head to the hospital, continue laboring at home, or seek emergency care. They’ll focus on key details about your symptoms and how your labor is progressing.
"I can always tell on the phone whether a patient is in labor or not. If they're laughing and talking in a normal tone of voice, I know they're not." – Alane Park, MD, ob-gyn
This process helps avoid unnecessary hospital trips during early labor, which can sometimes last for days, while ensuring you get the care you need when active labor begins.
Information to Share with Your Provider
To help your provider assess your situation, be ready to share:
Contraction details: Note how long your contractions last, how often they occur, and how intense they feel. Mention if you can still talk through them.
If your water has broken: Describe the fluid’s color, odor, and amount. This can provide important clues about your labor stage.
Bleeding: Report any bright red bleeding or anything heavier than light spotting.
Fetal movement: If your baby seems to be moving less than usual, it’s crucial to mention this.
Obstetric history: Share whether you’ve given birth before, any complications during this pregnancy, and how far along you are. These details help your provider tailor their advice.
Advice You May Receive
Based on what you report, your provider might recommend staying home if your contractions are still irregular or infrequent. They may suggest light activities like walking, taking a warm bath, or resting between contractions to stay comfortable.
When your contractions become regular and intense - lasting about one minute each and occurring every five minutes for at least two hours - they’ll likely advise heading to the hospital. If this isn’t your first baby, your provider may suggest coming in sooner since labor often progresses more quickly for experienced mothers.
If your water has broken, you’ll typically be advised to go to the hospital right away, especially if you’ve tested positive for group B strep.
Other situations, like heavy bleeding or reduced fetal movement, will prompt instructions to seek immediate medical attention. Severe symptoms, such as intense headaches, blurred vision, or sudden swelling, may indicate complications like preeclampsia and require urgent care.
Your provider might also give guidance based on your cervical dilation. For instance, if you’re less than 4 centimeters dilated, you may be sent home if you arrive at the hospital too early. Once you’re more than 4 centimeters, you’re likely to be admitted for labor and delivery.
Interestingly, studies show that women who labor at home until their contractions are regular - occurring every five minutes or less - tend to spend about three hours longer at home on average. On the other hand, those admitted earlier are more likely to need interventions like oxytocin, epidurals, or even cesarean sections.
Complete Support for Labor Preparation
Preparing for labor involves more than just knowing when to reach out to your doctor. By incorporating guided physical and mental practices, you can enhance your readiness and better understand the signals your body sends during pregnancy and labor. Activities like prenatal yoga, meditation, and trimester-specific education create a well-rounded approach that connects physical preparation with medical awareness, ensuring you're equipped to handle labor effectively.
Prenatal Yoga and Meditation
Prenatal yoga is a powerful way to prepare both your body and mind for labor. It combines gentle stretches, strengthening exercises, and breathing techniques that not only build physical endurance but also help you identify normal pregnancy sensations versus potential warning signs.
Meditation adds another layer of preparation by reducing anxiety and depression, which are common during pregnancy. Even more importantly, breathing and relaxation techniques learned through meditation have been shown to lower pain and anxiety levels during labor. This mental readiness allows you to stay calm and focused, making it easier to assess whether symptoms require medical attention.
"Starting prenatal yoga in any trimester can help you better relax and stay positive once you go into labor. Meditation and breathing exercises have been shown to reduce pain and anxiety during labor. Being confident and building your coping abilities will also help you have a less painful labor experience." - WebMD Editorial Contributor
The breathing techniques practiced in yoga become essential tools for managing contractions. Poses like Warrior II and Squats help build stamina for labor, while Butterfly and Pigeon Pose focus on opening the hips to prepare for delivery. These practices not only strengthen your body but also sharpen your ability to differentiate between normal labor discomfort and signs of complications.
Rita's Pregnancy 101 offers live, expert-led sessions designed to teach these vital techniques. Their prenatal yoga and meditation classes focus specifically on labor preparation, helping you develop the physical strength and mental clarity needed to navigate labor with confidence.
Regular practice also improves body awareness, a critical skill for recognizing when something feels unusual or concerning. This heightened awareness ensures you're better prepared to decide when to seek medical advice.
Trimester-Specific Guidance
Understanding how your body evolves throughout pregnancy is key to recognizing when symptoms fall outside the norm. While physical practices like yoga build internal resilience, trimester-specific education helps you stay alert to external changes.
Rita's Pregnancy 101 provides trimester-specific guidance, offering targeted advice on early labor signs, contraction patterns, and warning symptoms. This education complements the foundation built through yoga and meditation, giving you a complete picture of what to expect.
Their information sessions cover essential topics, such as distinguishing Braxton Hicks contractions from true labor and identifying the difference between typical pregnancy discomfort and signs of complications. With continuous online support, you’ll have access to expert advice throughout your pregnancy journey, helping you trust your instincts while knowing when to seek professional medical care.
The P101 Complete Care Prenatal Classes bring all these elements together in a comprehensive program priced at $31 per month. This package includes prenatal exercises, yoga, meditation, trimester-specific education, home remedies, and ongoing support to prepare you for every aspect of labor and delivery.
With this all-encompassing approach, you'll enter labor equipped with the physical techniques to manage discomfort and the knowledge to recognize when it's time to call your doctor.
Conclusion: Staying Ready for Labor and Delivery
Understanding the signs of labor and trusting your instincts are crucial as you prepare for childbirth. Key signals to watch for include regular contractions every 5 minutes or less, your water breaking, vaginal bleeding, reduced fetal movement, or any signs of labor before 37 weeks. Prolonged or frequent contractions also call for immediate medical attention. Acting promptly when these signs appear can make all the difference.
"Call your midwife or maternity unit if you are in labor or if regular contractions occur every 5 minutes."
Timing matters, and it varies depending on your experience. First-time mothers are generally advised to head to the hospital when contractions are 3–4 minutes apart for two hours. For those who’ve given birth before, it’s recommended to go when contractions are 5 minutes apart for one hour. If you notice any urgent warning signs, don’t hesitate - call your healthcare provider right away.
Preparation goes beyond recognizing signs. Activities like prenatal yoga and childbirth education can boost your confidence and readiness. For example, studies show that childbirth education increases the chances of a vaginal delivery by 25%, while having a birth plan can nearly halve the risk of a C-section. These tools help you differentiate between normal labor discomfort and situations that require immediate medical attention.
To take your preparation to the next level, consider programs like Rita's Pregnancy 101. Their P101 Complete Care Prenatal Classes ($31/month) offer a well-rounded approach, combining prenatal exercise, yoga, meditation, and trimester-specific advice with ongoing online support. This blend of physical and mental preparation equips you to handle labor with clarity and confidence, while staying alert to any signs that may need medical care.
Lastly, save your provider’s Labor Line number so it’s handy when you need it. The steps you take now - whether through education, physical activity, or simply learning the warning signs - can empower you to make informed, confident decisions when the time comes.
FAQs
How can I tell if I’m experiencing real labor contractions or Braxton Hicks?
Braxton Hicks contractions, often referred to as "practice contractions", are typically irregular and mild. They may feel like a gentle tightening or light cramping in your abdomen. These contractions don’t follow a consistent pattern and usually ease up with rest, drinking water, or shifting positions. Importantly, they don’t cause cervical dilation.
On the other hand, true labor contractions are more intense and follow a regular rhythm. They gradually become closer together, last longer - ranging from 30 to 70 seconds - and are difficult to ignore. Unlike Braxton Hicks, these contractions don’t subside with rest or hydration. The discomfort often starts at the top of your abdomen and moves downward.
If you’re ever uncertain or feel concerned, reaching out to your healthcare provider is always a smart move.
What should I do if my water breaks and the fluid looks unusual?
If your water breaks and the fluid appears green or brown, or if it has a strong or unpleasant smell, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. These could indicate meconium-stained fluid (your baby’s first stool) or a potential infection, both of which might need prompt medical care.
Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate next steps, which could include going to the hospital for further evaluation. When in doubt, trust your instincts and prioritize caution if something feels off during labor.
What signs during labor mean I should call my doctor right away?
It’s crucial to reach out to your doctor right away if you experience any of the following signs during labor:
A severe headache that persists or comes with dizziness or fainting.
Vision changes, like blurriness or seeing spots.
A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
Heavy vaginal bleeding or an unusual discharge.
Your water breaks, especially if the fluid appears green, yellow, or has a foul smell.
A noticeable decrease in your baby’s movements or if they stop altogether.
Contractions lasting longer than 2 minutes or happening more than 6 times within 10 minutes.
If something feels off or you’re unsure about any symptoms, trust your instincts and contact your healthcare provider. Their priority is keeping both you and your baby safe during labor.