When to go to the maternity ward? The signs to know

Towards the end of pregnancy, it is normal to wonder when to go to the maternity hospital. A contraction, the loss of the mucus plug, or some discharge can quickly make you wonder: is it the start of labor, or should you wait a little longer?

Not all signs mean the same thing. Some simply invite you to stay alert, while others require you to go to the maternity hospital quickly. Here are the main signs to know so you can react better on the day.

The mucus plug: a sign to watch, but not necessarily an immediate departure

What is the mucus plug for?

During pregnancy, the mucus plug closes the cervix and helps protect the uterine cavity from external agents. As birth approaches, it may come loose.

It can appear as thick mucus, often clear, sometimes pink, yellowish, or brown.

Does losing the mucus plug mean that labor has started?

Not necessarily.

The loss of the mucus plug alone does not mean that labor has started. It can occur several days before birth. In this case, you generally just need to stay alert to other signs.

However, if this loss occurs before 35 weeks of amenorrhea, it is recommended to seek medical advice without delay.

Contractions: when do they become a real signal to go?

Irregular contractions do not always mean you need to go

Towards the end of pregnancy, it is possible to feel contractions without labor having actually started.

If they remain irregular, there is no need to rush immediately to the maternity hospital. You should mainly observe how they develop.

When should you go to the maternity hospital?

The signal becomes more significant when contractions become:

• regular;
• increasingly frequent;
• intense;
• painful.

When this pattern sets in, labor has probably started, and it is then time to go to the maternity hospital.

It can also be useful to plan ahead the person who can accompany or drive you on the day.

Loss of waters: in this case, do not delay

How to recognize the loss of waters?

The loss of waters corresponds to the flow of amniotic fluid.

It is generally a clear and abundant liquid, which can flow suddenly or continuously.

Should you wait for contractions?

No.

In the event of a loss of waters, you must go to the maternity hospital without delay, even if you do not yet feel contractions.

It is one of the clearest signs that it is time to go.

And in case of bleeding?

Not all the small changes observed towards the end of pregnancy are worrying, but bright red, abundant, or continuous bleeding is not considered normal.

In this situation, you must seek medical advice immediately.

If in doubt, it is better to contact your midwife, your maternity hospital, or a healthcare professional.

The three main signs to remember

Simply put:

1. The mucus plug

If it is lost alone, stay alert to other signs.

2. Contractions

If they become regular, intense, painful, and closer together, it is time to go.

3. Loss of waters

You must go to the maternity hospital without waiting, even without contractions.

Prepare your departure before the day

When the first signs appear, the last thing you want to do is look for your papers or finish packing your bag.

It is therefore preferable to have prepared in advance:

• your maternity bag;
• a separate bag for the delivery room;
• your pregnancy records;
• your important papers;
• the means of transport or the person who will accompany you.

The pregnancy records are part of the documents to keep with you when you enter the maternity hospital.

How to organize your things to leave quickly?

Good organization can make the departure much simpler.

For example, you can separate:

• the things for your stay;
• the things needed immediately in the delivery room;
• medical and administrative documents.

At Adorable France, the Merveille can, for example, be used for the things for your stay, while the Loulou XL can hold the essentials for the delivery room.

The Loulou XL can be worn on the shoulder or on the back, which allows you to adapt its carrying to your movement.

When to call the maternity hospital rather than going directly?

Not all situations are exactly the same.

If you have a doubt about:

• the frequency of contractions;
• an unusual discharge;
• loss of fluid;
• bleeding;
• or any other symptom that worries you.

Contact your maternity hospital or your midwife to get instructions adapted to your situation.

General recommendations never replace the specific instructions given by the team that is following your pregnancy.

In summary: when should you go to the maternity hospital?

Above all, remember this:

• mucus plug alone: stay alert;
• regular and frequent contractions: go;
• loss of waters: go without waiting;
• bright red, abundant, or continuous blood: immediate medical advice.

The most important thing is to prepare your departure in advance and not hesitate to ask for advice if something seems unusual to you.

Note: this article is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of your midwife, your doctor, or your maternity hospital.