I’m sure you know it’s not like the movies where labour starts with one big dramatic contraction, a mad dash to the car, and a mid-birth arrival at the hospital doors. Real life is usually much less Hollywood.
Most of the time, labour begins slowly and builds gradually. There’s time to breathe, to settle in at home, and to let things unfold while staying connected with your midwife. In fact, the usual advice is very clear: you don’t rush in at the first sign of contractions. You stay home in early labour, and go in once things are clearly established — with your midwife guiding you along the way.
Early labour: stay at home
Early labour is often slow, stop–start, and manageable in your own space. This stage can last many hours, so there’s usually no need to head in early.
You’re typically still in early labour if:
- Contractions are irregular
- Intensity is mild to moderate
- You can still talk through them
- There is no clear, consistent pattern yet
This is the time to rest, stay nourished, and use comfort measures like a warm shower, movement and your TENS machine for support.
Established labour: time to prepare to go
Labour is usually considered established when contractions become more regular, stronger, and harder to manage at home.
A common guide is:
- Contractions about 5 minutes apart
- Lasting 45–60 seconds
- Following a consistent, ongoing pattern
- Needing full focus and stopping normal conversation
At this point, it’s usually time to get ready to head in.
Always call your midwife first
Before leaving home, contact your midwife so they can guide you through what’s happening.
They may suggest calling when:
- Contractions are around 3–5 minutes apart
- Each contraction is lasting about 1 minute
- You feel you’re no longer coping comfortably at home
They’ll help you decide when to go and may meet you at the hospital or birthing unit.
Go in sooner if something changes
Don’t wait for contraction timing if any of the following occur:
- Reduced or unusual baby movements
- Waters breaking (especially green or brown)
- Bleeding beyond light spotting
- Severe headache, vision changes, or other concerning symptoms
- Strong urge to push or feeling like baby is coming
These signs mean you should contact your midwife immediately.
How the decision is really made
There is no single “perfect time” that applies to everyone. Midwives look at a combination of factors:
- How regular and strong contractions are
- Whether this is your first baby (labour often progresses faster with subsequent births)
- Your comfort and ability to cope at home
- Distance from hospital or birthing unit
- Any risk factors or complications
- Your own instincts and birth plan
The simplest way to think about it
- Stay at home while labour is manageable
- Call your midwife when contractions become regular and intense
- Go in when labour is established and after a discussion with your midwife
Labour timing is flexible, and your midwife is there to guide the decision with you rather than leave you to figure it out alone.
