How long and how close together should contractions be, before you admit yourself into the hospital…

I was told anytime you can time them to go in if it’s not time to deliver. So at 34 weeks if you can time them go in. They can give you a shot to try to stop the contractions so they can try to keep baby in longer.

If it is time, I was told if they are intense or 5 minutes or under apart.

There’s contraction apps that are really handy. It will time them and tell you when to go.

I had to wait until mine were 5-6 minutes apart, but they ended up being sporadic being in active labor

I just had a preterm labor scare a week ago and my hospital and ob said if you feel 6 within 1 hr go in.

5-1-1 is the gold standard at most hospitals. This means 5 minutes apart, 1 minute in duration each, and has continued for at least 1 hour.

But some hospitals will note your dilation isn't much, have you walk there to monitor progress, and if you don't progress enough while there send you home even if you have the 511.

@beakymcspence, Do you have one to suggest by chance?

@khawkins,

@khawkins my doula suggested full term. It's nice because it does all the math break down for you. :)