When Should You Go to the Maternity Unit?

You are ready to welcome your baby — the final purchases are done, you have attended your antenatal classes, and your hospital bag is packed. But one question keeps running through your mind: when should you go to the maternity unit? How do you know when the big day has truly arrived?

Signs that leave no room for doubt

Whether this is your very first baby or you are already an experienced mum, every pregnancy is different — and in this area, as we well know, nothing goes to plan (except perhaps planned caesareans and inductions, and even then, surprises can happen!).

That said, there are certain signs that leave no room for doubt and truly signal that you need to prepare to make your way to the maternity unit.

Your waters breaking

Whether accompanied by contractions or not, your waters breaking indicates that labour will soon begin. There is no need to panic — it can sometimes be hours before the first contractions arrive — but you should not delay getting to the maternity unit, as your baby no longer has amniotic fluid and is therefore no longer protected against germs.

Regular contractions

For a first baby, it is advisable to go to the maternity unit when you are having one contraction every 5 minutes, over a period of around 1 to 1.5 hours.

For subsequent births, it is advisable to head to hospital when contractions are coming every 10 minutes or so, as labour tends to progress more quickly.

How do you recognise true labour contractions?

A mum who has already given birth might tell you: "You'll know from the pain which contractions are real and which are Braxton Hicks." Most of the time, Braxton Hicks contractions can appear during the 9th month but are characterised by mild, irregular tightenings. If in doubt, do not hesitate to call your midwife.

In case of a problem

It goes without saying that if you feel an unusual pain, have unexplained bleeding, or anything else of concern, do not ask yourself questions — call your doctor or midwife immediately. It is far better to go to the maternity unit for a false alarm than to let a problem go unnoticed that could prove dangerous for you or your unborn child.