how far apart should contractions be before going to hospital?
17001
The contractions become more regular until they are less than 5 minutes apart. Active labor (the time you should come into the hospital) is usually characterized by strong contractions that last 45 to 60 seconds and occur three to four minutes apart.
255969
This part of labor (called the Latent Phase) is best experienced in the comfort of your home. When the cervix dilates from 4 to 8 centimeters (called the Active Phase), contractions get stronger and are about 3 minutes apart, lasting about 45 seconds.
239848
When your contractions are regular and strong, and coming every four to five minutes for one to two hours, you should call your midwife or doctor. (A contraction is considered strong if you can't talk through it.) She will ask you several questions that will determine if it's time to go to the hospital to be examined.
13020
As a general rule, you know you are ready to go to the hospital when your contractions are 4 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for at least 1 hour.
1390537
Preterm labor is diagnosed in a woman who is 20 to 37 weeks pregnant and has regular uterine contractions. This means about 6 or more contractions in 1 hour. Call your doctor if you have had regular contractions for an hour, even after you have had a glass of water and are resting.
7516
If your amniotic membrane ruptures -- or your "water breaks" -- the contractions may get much stronger. When the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters (called the Transition Phase), contractions are 2 to 3 minutes apart and last about 1 minute. You may feel pressure on your rectum and your backache may feel worse.
506161
The likelihood is that your contractions will start within 24 hours to 48 hours of your waters breaking. So waiting for at least 24 hours before you're induced is probably what your midwife will advise.
426423
Most physicians and midwives suggest contacting them when your contractions are five minutes apart and lasting 60 seconds and you have had this activity for about an hour.
828734
The Second Stage of Labor (Delivery) Contractions may feel different from the first stage of labor -- they will slow to 2 to 5 minutes apart and last from about 60 to 90 seconds. You will feel a strong urge to push with your contractions.
141557
Hospitals recommend a cut-off of about 24 hours because waiting for longer raises the risk of infection further (NCCWCH 2014, NICE 2016). If you're worried about waiting even for 24 hours, or are just keen to get labour going, talk to your midwife or doctor about having an induction sooner.
520084
The general advice has been to wait until the contractions have been five minutes apart for an hour before you call and make your way to the hospital.
1075429
Mild contractions generally begin 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds. You should go to the hospital once you reach active labor. For most women, active labor is characterized by strong contractions that last 45 to 60 seconds and occur three to four minutes apart.
29135
Contractions: Contractions are increasingly intense and last between 60 to 90 seconds, and they're 1 1/2 to 2 minutes apart. Other Signs: You may feel pelvic and rectal pressure, have hot flashes and/or chills, have cold feet, and feel nauseous or even vomit.
24436
Active labor (the time you should come into the hospital) is usually characterized by strong contractions that last 45 to 60 seconds and occur three to four minutes apart.
776072
Your cervix will efface and dilate to 4 cm. Contractions will last about 30-45 seconds, giving you 5-30 minutes of rest between contractions.
361903
Contractions will last about 30-45 seconds, giving you 5-30 minutes of rest between contractions. Contractions are typically mild and somewhat irregular but become progressively stronger and more frequent.
68165
After your water breaks, contractions usually follow within 12 to 24 hours, if they're not underway already. However, in some cases, women have their water break before their bodies are ready to start the labour process.