Am I in Labor?

How do you know when it's time to come to the hospital? Sometimes every little ache and pain seems like the "real thing."

Expect false alarms. Remember, no one knows for sure what triggers labor, and every woman's experience is different. Sometimes it's hard to tell when labor begins.

Don't hesitate to call your healthcare provider if you're unsure about if you're in labor. Preterm labor can be especially tricky. If you arrive at the hospital in false labor, don't feel embarrassed or frustrated. Think of it as a practice run. The real thing is likely on its way.

If you have any signs of labor, including any form of bleeding, before 37 weeks, consult your healthcare provider. If your water breaks or contractions begin, contact your healthcare provider during normal business hours or contact the birth center outside of the normal business day.

Call to talk to a nurse:

• OB-GYN clinic: 507-594-5741 (weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Labor and Delivery triage or on-call provider: 507-625-4031 (after daytime hours and weekends)