When to Go to the Hospital for Contractions

Medically reviewed by: Safi Allah Khan · Written by the Momi team · Last updated 20 October 2026

This guide is about deciding when to go. For the how-to of timing, see how to time contractions, and use the contraction timer to track length and frequency.

The rules of thumb

Rule	What it means	Used by
5-1-1	About 5 minutes apart, about 1 minute long, for at least 1 hour	Many US hospitals, first full-term labor
4-1-1	About 4 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour	Some US hospitals
NHS guidance	Call when contractions are regular and every 5 minutes or more often, or if you think you're in labor	NHS England
Your own plan	Whatever your midwife or doctor told you	Always takes priority

Frequency is timed from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. ACOG says true labor contractions come at regular intervals, get closer together, and each lasts about 60 to 90 seconds.

Go straight in, or call now, if…

These don't wait for a pattern. ACOG says to go to the hospital if:

• your water has broken and you are not having contractions
• you are bleeding heavily from the vagina
• you have constant, severe pain with no relief between contractions
• your baby is moving less often

The NHS adds that you should call urgently if:

• you're less than 37 weeks and think you might be in labor
• any contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes
• you're having 6 or more contractions every 10 minutes

Call an ambulance (911, 999 or your local number) if you have a strong urge to push and think your baby is coming now.

First baby vs later babies

	First baby	Second or later baby
Typical labor length (ACOG)	12 to 18 hours	8 to 10 hours
Established first stage (NHS)	Usually 8 to 18 hours	Often 5 to 12 hours
Pushing stage (NHS)	Should be no longer than 3 hours	No more than 2 hours
When to call (common advice)	At 5-1-1, or as advised	Often earlier; ask your team

Because later labors tend to be quicker, many providers suggest calling earlier for a second baby. Tell your provider in advance if your last labor was fast.

Other reasons to go in earlier

Ask your provider before labor whether any of these change your plan:

• You live far from the hospital, or traffic could slow you down. ACOG suggests rehearsing the trip and checking how long it takes.
• You're group B strep (GBS) positive. ACOG says you'll be given antibiotics during labor; your team may want you in earlier to allow time for them.
• You're planning a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean), or have other medical conditions.
• You're having twins, or your baby is breech.
• Your waters broke and the fluid is green, brown or smells bad.

When you're probably not in active labor yet

Early labor (the latent phase) can last hours or even days, according to the NHS. Contractions may be irregular and you may be told to stay home. Signs it's still early:

• contractions are irregular or not getting closer together
• they ease when you rest, walk, change position or drink water (more like Braxton Hicks)
• you can talk through them easily

The NHS suggests eating and drinking for energy, resting at night, staying gently active in the day, and using breathing, massage or a warm bath or shower. If you go in early, you may be sent home for a while: that's normal.

What to tell the hospital when you call

Have this ready:

1. How many weeks pregnant you are
2. How long contractions last and how far apart they are (Momi's averages help)
3. How long they've been like this
4. Whether your waters have broken (time, color, smell)
5. Any bleeding
6. Your baby's movements
7. Whether this is your first baby and any known conditions (such as GBS)

Before labor: make a plan

ACOG suggests talking with your team well before your due date about the right time to call, how to reach them after hours, whether to call first or go straight in, and any special steps for you. Pack your bag and put it somewhere handy, arrange care for other children and pets, and fit your car seat. See the pregnancy to-do list.

How Momi helps

Momi's contraction timer records the length of each contraction and the time between them, keeps a log and shows averages, so you can see when you're nearing your provider's rule and give clear numbers when you call. Momi doesn't decide when you should go in; your midwife or doctor does.

Download Momi free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.

Related: labor stages and contraction times · 39 weeks pregnant · third trimester

Sources

• ACOG, How to Tell When Labor Begins
• NHS, Signs that labour has begun
• NHS, The stages of labour and birth
• ACOG, Preterm Labor and Birth
• ACOG, Group B Strep and Pregnancy
• Mayo Clinic, Signs of labor: Know what to expect

Medical disclaimer: Momi and this website provide general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife; in an emergency call your local emergency number.