When to go to the maternity ward?

Expectant mothers often ask "When to go to the maternity ward?" This is natural, as knowing the onset of labor can be difficult, especially when it comes to the first birth. Before childbirth, many changes take place in the body that do not necessarily signal the need to go to the hospital.

Within a few days before birth, the mucous plug (thick discharge) closing the cervix is loosened, preparatory contractions (weak contractions in the lower abdomen) and amniotic fluid flow.

The outflow of amniotic fluid can be moderate, flowing out in a tiny trickle, or strong - an unstoppable stream of amniotic fluid. It looks like a clear liquid with a faint, slightly sweet smell, it can also have a whitish or light pink color. In that case, it is enough to go to the hospital within two hours after the amniotic fluid drains. If it is greenish in color or hard, go to the maternity ward immediately.

It is recommended to go to the maternity hospital if you have regular contractions. Approximately 3 weeks before childbirth, false pains appear, the so-called messenger or Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are manifested by pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. These contractions are irregular and their intensity does not increase, the pain lasts for a short time and is repeated. Messengers do not have an opening effect. Regular contractions every 5 to 7 minutes, the interval of which shortens and the intensity increases, are a sign that it is necessary to go to the maternity ward.

The approaching birth can also be announced by light bleeding and spotting. Light spotting after a routine examination at the gynecologist is a normal phenomenon. Old dark blood or light mucous does not indicate a problem, bright red blood is a signal for increased caution. In this case, immediate departure to the maternity ward is necessary.

Reasons for going to the hospital include doubts about fetal movements, great pressure on the anus outside of contractions, or a recommendation from your gynecologist.

When to go to the maternity ward is individual. Most women report that they went to the hospital after escalating contractions, spotting or amniotic fluid drainage. It is better not to delay going to the hospital, because the birth can be quick.

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