Labor Signs: When to head to the hospital?

agytay · March 2013

As a STM, you would think that I would remember this, but my doctor didn't bring it up so I am assuming that she thought I just know. What signs did your doc tell you to head to the hospital?

I think that I recall something like 3-1-1 or 4-1-1, where the first number is how far apart the contractions are, the second is how long the contractions are, and the third is the time span they have been going on (i.e., I have been having contractions for the past hour that are each a minute long and are 3 minutes apart).

Is this correct or does it sound familiar?

ChicagoBroad26 · March 2013

bdcram:
I'm pretty sure it's 5-1-1.

Yep. Five minutes apart, lasting a minute each for one hour or lo

FrecklesInside · March 2013

My midwife told me 3 1 1. 3 min apart, lasting one min for one hour.

July18Bride · March 2013

Yeah, my doc just went over this today. 5-1-1 is the rule of thumb to go to hospital, but also if your water breaks or any other signs of labor you should still call your doc just to be sure.

agytay · March 2013

Thanks! I think that I was mixing 3-1-1 up with the airport rule. LOL.

MattMal11 · March 2013

I had 511 contractions last night, but it was a false alarm. I am so tired of going to LD, so I told my H that unless I'm screaming in pain, water breaks, bleeding or this babys head is sticking out, I'm not going back.