When is it time to go to the maternity ward?

Labor usually starts with contractions. In the beginning, the contractions can be irregular but will soon become closer together and more powerful.

• When your contractions are spaced five to ten minutes apart, it's time to call the maternity ward.

• When your contractions come in three to five-minute intervals (four if you have been through labour before) it is time to go into the maternity ward.

Always call the maternity ward and speak with a midwife to describe your contractions before you go in. The midwife will ask questions to determine whether it is time to go in or not. Do not forget that you know yourself and your body best, and if you feel like you cannot handle more or if you are worried, insist that you go in for a checkup knowing that you may need to be sent home again if everything looks fine and the midwife judges that you are not yet ready.

If you are before week 37 of your pregnancy, always call the maternity ward if:

• You are bleeding
• You have stomach pains that do not stop
• Your water may have broken
• You start having contractions