LABOR CONTRACTIONS
- If this is your first baby, call when your contractions are 4-5 minutes apart and lasting 45-60 seconds for two hours in a row.
- If your have delivered at least one other child, call when your contractions are 7-8 minutes apart and lasting 45-60 seconds for two hours.
- Most women will experience their contractions like severe menstrual cramps or a low dull backache. Time your contractions from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next. True labor contractions have three characteristics- they get stronger, longer and closer together. False labor will go away or stay the same with activity, such as walking.
MEMBRANES RUPTURE OR “WATER BREAKS”
- Call when your membranes rupture. This may occur with a sudden gush of fluid or it may just be a slow leak. The fluid may be clear, colorless, blood tinged or green. If you are unsure, always call.
BLOODY SHOW
- You do not need to call if you lose your mucous plug or if you have a bloody show (mucous pink discharge). Free flowing blood is considered abnormal and you should always call immediately.
- Call the office any time if you have questions or concerns. If it is after hours, the answering service will take the call. Please give the following information- name, due date, how many other babies your have delivered, your contraction pattern and any pertinent additional information (breech, upcoming scheduled c-section, multiple birth, etc).
If you have any doubts, please call.