Signs of Labor: When to Go to the Hospital for your Labor & Birth and How to Avoid Going Too Soon 

First time dad here Cant wait to meet little girl. Just here to learn about what's happening with my beautiful wife so I can help her to the best of my abilities :D

I really don't mean to put down any nurses or doctors, but no one that I've talked to has ever given me this much/kind of CLEAR information. I completely understand that they are rushed, always on a schedule and I think that's a bigger problem than them... But, thank you so incredibly much for all of the help you provide to us scared women.

The silent woman was me too with my first labour. The midwife said she's never seen a woman so calm and I told her "this is happening, the only choice I have is whether to be a willing or unwilling participant". At one point I had two midwives standing at the monitor looking at it then asking me "can you feel a contraction now?" They were really strong and I couldn't talk but could nod. Apparently I looked asleep.

I did this back in 2009 with my first----unknowingly! I labored at home until instinct told me it was time. I got to the hospital at 7 cm and he was born about 45 min later, no medications or interventions. Im hoping to have a similar birth come feb 2021! **update: I labored at home with my 2nd and made it to the hospital with enough time for them to catch her lol.

I am 36 weeks pregnant and have been freaking out about going into labor because i want to go unmedicated. I'm so glad my mom found your videos cause i feel more educated and not as scared. THANK YOU FOR BEING SO INFORMATIVE AND REAL

Im 40 weeks and 2 days LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTRACTIONS because im tired of being pregnant lol

I kept waiting for the pain to be completely unbearable, but it never happened. Almost had my baby in the car. Don't get me wrong, it was painful. But I thought it would be making me scream. Nope.

I followed these tips with my first prenancy and I were already 8cm dialated when we decided to go to the hospital! Hope my second pregnancy will go as well as the previous 😍

My first baby is 8mnths now. My labour was 4 hours from waking up in the morning with bloody show but No pain or contractions to giving birth. I only had a few contractions that were VERY painful. I was worried about going to the hospital too soon. I gave birth to my son myself at home on my bathroom floor. It was an amazing and insane experience. I feel for woman who have long painful labours. It's especially hard the first time round to know when to go. By the time I would have thought I should go in my son was born.

I had my baby girl a year and a half ago and now 39 weeks with my baby boy, and it all feels new to me😌😱

I love how you describe/ explain when you should go to the hospital. Honestly, the best one I've watched

“I must push” 😂 the real pain management goal

I was in labor for 4 hours the first time and only an hour the second time. I go from little contractions to massive ones in as little as 10 minutes. I had my daughter in 2 pushes the second time and went from 3 cm to 10 extremely fast. Typically people will be in labor for a long time but you know your body better than anyone so if you feel your baby is coming soon, your baby is probably coming soon

The “ i must push “ killed me 😂😂

THANK YOU FOR THIS. Currently 37 weeks and getting ready to recognize the signs. But as you said, I feel like I will KNOW (hopefully) when it's time to go to the hospital.

LMAO. I’m that more chill person. I slowly walked into the birthing center unassisted at 9cm, had my son 30 mins later 😬. I swear I followed 3-1-1 and it just happened so fast. Trying to avoid cutting it so close for my second labor.

I had pre labor contractions for 24 hours before I went to the hospital about 4 minutes apart but I knew they weren’t strong enough. Finally went in when my water broke! So glad I waited!😊 hoping this time I will go naturally the whole time!

Lol " I must push"

This is probably the most helpful description of the stages of labour I have ever heard. I'm due with my third in a few days.

34 weeks pregnant and been wondering a lot of first-time mom questions. your videos are answering a lot of those questions. thanks!

Currently in labor and watching you 💕

On the subject of pain versus suffering, with my first I had an epidural at 7 cm and then I experienced suffering. With my second I went unmedicated and I experienced pain. And it is definitely different! I had strict back labor with both of them, never felt a single contraction in my stomach, they were both boys, they were both full term, etc. I'm so grateful you put that difference into words because it's hard for me to get people to understand how I had a horrific and traumatic delivery with an epidural but an amazinggg delivery utilizing no pain relief.

I’m 21 weeks now and honestly my family is so dramatic. if I make any sign of pain they’re gonna rush me to the hospital and if they try to send me home I guarantee they’ll make me sit in the lobby 😂😂😂😭

32+4 and I swear I’ve watched every video on your channel 😩 I’m a first time mom and getting closer to my date is very nerve wracking but I love you so much thank you 😭💗

See this is what always got me. For all of my pregnancies, I didn't feel contractions that stopped me in my tracks or interfered past a "Oof... anyway, as I was saying" even as I was PUSHING my kids out. I have actual video of me up dancing with my IV line just about an hour before I pushed out baby #3... laughing, dancing, giggling, being twirled by my IV (the gentleman that IV was!) and in minimal discomfort. That may have been due to my little hip-swiveling dance I had with my IV line in that labor session, but the situation was pretty much the same with all of my other kids even while laying in the hospital bed. I had the nurse, my mom and my doctor all looking at me telling me how it's crazy that I'm so lucid while my contractions were going off the chart. That's what always scared me the most and I KNOW my docs/nurses thought I was overthinking it when I walked in saying I was in labor with a smile on my face. If I had waited until I started acting strangely or having severe pain, the child would have been out of me before I ever left my home lol! I think the best part of all that was that my providers always got such an earful about how uncomfortable, sick, exhausted I was or how much this or that was hurting and that I could barely walk, etc. By the time the labor and deliveries came, they were always absolutely shocked at how little I was suffering. Also: I had an epidural with my second kid, because my water trickled very slowly and they tried to let my labor progress itself for a few days and it just wouldn't go fast enough and after several hours of no progress and them trying to not induce to progress the labor further, with my epidural in, I woke up from a nap saying "Yeah, so I feel like I have to pee. I have a catheter... I shouldn't be feeling that right?" And my right leg started to shake uncontrollably... the nurse kept trying to tell me "I'm sure it's fine, let us know when you feel like you have to poop..." and tried to walk away and I INSISTED that she checked on my progress after arguing with her. My daughter was already head out and if she hadn't listened to me, that could have been a bad situation! Labor and delivery is just the weirdest "natural" thing sometimes. The whole reason I'm even here, though, is for the more "typical" stuff to look for so that I can help my daughter manage when it's "time" appropriately when she has her little boy here in around April 9th! I'm glad to have my experience in case she's somewhat atypical, but I need more typical info! So thank you!

With my 6th child my contractions never established a pattern. I spent the day having hard random contractions not knowing if it was truly time or not. Then my water broke and I almost instantly felt the need to push. I had to fight that urge an hour to the hospital and pushed her out in triage. Labor rhythms are nice to look out for but aren't always reliable.

You are my superhero! I just found your channel today, and your videos are a total lifesaver. I am 36 weeks and unfortunately my labor was kinda pre-tainted with anxiety as I've had 2 previous miscarriages. Walking the tightrope between easing my anxiety and knowing what to expect without completely bombarding my doctor every week has been a real challenge.

BIRTH PLAN: flail around naked, got it 😂

In labor right now and just watched your vid for the 2nd time. Very helpful.

I'm currently only 26 weeks pregnant and watching these videos to get the most positive, possible outlook on labor before my time comes, and I have to say, I love your energy and blunt approach. Your videos are super informative, while still entertaining and engaging. Thanks for sharing!

I must push. 🤣 My friend went into labor 4 weeks early with her first, and I laughed at her. She legit gave birth that hour! Everyone is different, yup! Lol

Lol " I must push" 🤦😂 What a great management and control of labour.. 🤗😘

Thank you!!! I’m in early labor right now and had only the 511 rule, so I went to the hospital too soon. They told me to come back when I no longer felt comfortable at home...which is weird advice since nothing about labor is comfortable haha! The way you explain it here is so much clearer and gives me things to look out for.

Came across your channel when scrolling through my recommended...I absolutely love your content and I’m so grateful for the information you provide. I’m currently 34 weeks along with my first baby. Your videos really helped me feel less anxious about labor and delivery. Thank you so much 🙏

My due date is two days away & ive been watching sooo many videos the last few weeks. Your videos are definitely the most helpful I’ve found!!

Great Video! I've been having contractions all day! Regular - Strong contractions every 4 or 5 mins! But even though this is my 4th no one seems to believe me (Like all my other labours). Just because I'm not screaming like the movies. Everyone copes differently. I am cursing internally but just saving my energy for trying to breath through it! I don't want to go to hospital too early.

Im 38 years old and pregnant with my first child. 💝🤰🏼👶🏼👏Im sooo glad I found your channel. Your helping to ease some unwanted anxiety that I am starting to have. God Bless & thanks a ton!

Btw, thanks for this video, your “pain acting” helped a lot for letting me understand how much the pain should be.😂

Great video 🙂 I’m planning an unmedicated labor for my second, due in May, and have read like a bazillion natural childbirth books. This is directly in line with everything I’ve read, which surprised me since you’re an L&D nurse. I truly hope my nurses when I deliver are as supportive, positive about birth, and on the side of evidence as you seem to be. Thank you!

This video made me less anxious about labor. I'm 36weeks FTM and this sure is an eye opener. Thank you so much

I was 38 weeks pregnant when my water broke at 3:00 am didnt really know if i didnt just pee myself so i waited till they opened to go with my ob ,,, once i got there at 9:00 am i still didnt feel contractions ,, they hooked me up to the machine and they said how did you not feel that i didn't know i was already having contractions and was dialing on number 5 once they told me they sent me upstairs to the hospital room checked me and i was on 8 😱 i called my husband from work he got there 30 min later !! 10 min of pushing- We met our baby boy 💙💕☺️Best Day in my Life!!! Now im currently 37 weeks pregnant im super excited and feel so blessed!!! 💖Good Luck Mamasss💖

This is my first baby im 32 weeks. And im glad i found your videos they have answered so many of my questions. Thank you😊

This is one of the most informative videos I've ever seen on labor and I've seen a LOT.

This is sooooo helpful to me! I'm 36 weeks with my 4th baby but my previous 3 pregnancies were all induced around 35-37 weeks due to preeclampsia! This baby is my first normal pregnancy and, I dont know why, it scares me because I have no idea what to expect since I never went in to labor naturally! I'm excited and terrified at the same time! I'm so glad I found your videos! Thank you so much!

Can you please do a video on un-needed medical intervention and C-sections.

This is literally the video I’ve been searching for the last 3 weeks. I don’t know what to expect and this is just exactly what I wanted to know! Literally sharing to my other pregnant friends.

First and second time mom 2 years and 1 year ago and I was the “I must push” girl. My contractions were a min apart before I even considered going to the hospital. Thought they were Braxton Hicks

This was so informative and you are the cutest! I’m 40 weeks and 3 days pregnant and going crazy waiting to feel some real contractions. Thanks for the great video!

I wish I had watched this today! The 5-1-1 rule fooled me into going to the hospital today as well as other people. I let others influence my mind to think I’m going into labor. I’m having contractions every 5 minutes but they aren’t strong enough so my cervix is completely closed still. Hearing you explain it in more detail makes way more sense to me. The nurse at my hospital told me the same thing. She said come back at 2-4 minutes apart with pain being so intense it stops me in my tracks. Thank you for sharing. Hopefully my next trip to the hospital we will actually meet my little boy ❤️ only 2 weeks left til my due date!

Where were you when i had my 1st 2013😭😭.....now I'm due on april with baby number 4 and I understand better thank you!!

My daughter was a day early from her projected due date. I went to the hospital maybe one or two times with false labor, when the day finally came I was following the 5-1-1 rule, but we lived almost an hour from the hospital. My contractions were 7 mins apart but getting stronger, I told my husband we should get going and sure enough by the time we made it to the free way (a 20 min drive) my contractions were 5 mins apart and I couldn’t even talk they were so strong. If you’re not sure call your doctor but listen to your body.

LOL! "girl, i must push..." I'm so nervous for this birth because I'm going to TRY and do it naturally, but thankful to have found you to lighten things up a bit and well inform me.

I'm 38 weeks right now, having mucus discharge and having light pains in lower pelvis and back. Waiting patiently for the signs.

Hahaha i am going to use that sentence when in labor “i must push” lol

just rushed to hospital recently when i had constant not painful contraction(bracxton), midwife sent me back home, i wish i had watched this some tym bck. keep it up dia lavonne.. GOD BLESS U.

As a new upcoming father, thank you for the great info. My wife introduced me to your channel. Super helpful! Thanks!

I'm 40 weeks and 6 days pregnant wish my pelvic would open now pls pray for me and my baby

In my 1st pregnancy my water broke at 7 o'clock p.m., I had super mild and rare contractions by that time, but did not know whether it was emergency or not and went to the hospital straight away. My baby arrived at 11:15 p.m. (~ 4 h in Total. Crazy :-)) If I'd stayed home patiently waiting a few more hours after my water broke - would have delivered at home, obviously. Love your videos, thanks! You are so energetic and charming!

I will be 39 weeks in three days and almost 3cm 😩 this was helpful, I’m desperate to meet this child !

I could talk through contractions with both my children and told the nurses both times that I was ready to push. I like that she mentioned everyones pain tolerance is different. Also did both unmedicated

Thank you for this video! I'm 19 weeks pregnant with my first BUT I can't wait to meet my baby!

First time mom here! 🙋 I'm 32 weeks pregnant 🤰and this video was very helpful. Thanks Sarah! 💜

you’re literally SO much fun, just as a person & I don’t even know you 😂 you’re awesome man ♥️

I waited too long to sign up for lamaze classes, so I'm binge watching your channel. LOL Thanks!!

Love love this video! This is my 2nd time watching, currently having contractions 7-10mins for about 2hrs they are bearable but much stronger than the BH I’ve been having. Due in a wk so hopefully things pick up soon and this isn’t a false alarm 😬

I’ve been binging on these videos - best channel ever - watching here in South Africa 🇿🇦🙂

How on Earth can someone really dislike a video like this? I love every bit of it

You're bloopers tho! 🤣😂🤣 Had me rolling! 🤣 Love your personality! Wish you could be in my nurse

41 + 1 with my third and sooo ready to pop!!! Lost my plug/bloody show and already contemplating calling the hospital.. last baby born quick! 4 hours xx

"I must push""girl no u don't!" HAHAHAHAHA i lost it

Phenomenal video 🏆I'm relatively new to RU-vid (well, spending hours at a time on RU-vid, anyway). I have so few channel subscriptions because most RU-vidrs drive me nuts. Sarah is one of just a handful of exceptional RU-vidrs that I've found. She's wise, informative, articulate, and funny. These videos are a great change of pace from moms with fake eyelashes talking about how great their babies sleep now that they put their Dockatots in their Halo Bassinests (don't do that, people). Sarah, I've worked in ERs for a long time, so I feel like I can relate to your desire to want to educate people regarding when to -- and when *not* to -- come in (in my case, I would want to add when to go to urgent care 😊). I would feel humiliated if I went to the hospital for Braxton-Hicks. I feel much better prepared after watching this video. Thank you so much!

I’m so grateful I’ve found your videos!! So helpful!! I’m 32 weeks pregnant with my first baby a little boy and due end of March 💙 I’m going to share your channel with mums and pregnancy pages on Facebook because I feel these can help so many new expecting mothers

Id love to have a baby w ur help! I am sure u help a lot of ppl. Great personality for working with ppl

Love your videos! Wish I had these videos 10 years ago with my first baby- baby number 6 is due in May and love all your info

Im 23 weeks and 2days and ive been watching your videos for a few day and it gives me information that more helpful than what other people are telling me im scared about labour

I had contractions 2-5 minutes apart for two three straight and they sent me home three times. But I loved the advice about waiting until they can’t be ignored. The last time I went in I couldn’t even walk, that’s when they finally admitted me.

This video helps a lot . I am 35 weeks , I will be 36 weeks on Monday !!! I been having pre labor based on the information you have giving us !!

i’m 39 almost 40 weeks pregnant and i’m so tired 😭 watching your videos for the first time and they’ve kept me calm! You’re amazing at your job and at advice!

Wow!! Your video is really helpful.. I am in my second trimester worrying like hell about my labor pain and everything else but your video really made me relaxing and atleast now I know what to expect when I’m in labor and when to go to hospital.. so thanks a lot

I am due on Thursday. Obviously I know this can mean any day now. But you are very comforting to listen to and knowledgeable! Thank you for these videos!

“It takes longer for new mommies” my first one came in 6 hours. I’m terrified this one is gonna fly out of me😂

Lol I’m 40 weeks and 4 days so I’m totally here for the lady that said, “I must push!” too bad I’m not in active labor yet! But I am feeling Early Labor for last two nights so feeling hopeful!

Today’s my due date and I’ve tried everything to get him out this past week. Walking , bouncing on the yoga ball , castor oil, raspberry leaf tea , midwives brew, and still no signs of labor except for some small cramps. Wish me luck 😐

This is sooooo informative. I’m 17 weeks and this is my first. I just want to be mentally prepared 😁 “I must push” made me laugh. I hope to be that lady when the time comes 🤣🤣

Im 29 weeks but i am soo ready to go into labor !! Thank you for this video i would’ve gone in as soon i felt a contraction because im just so eager to him out

I wish I saw this video last pregnancy. I had an emergency c section with my first. Second pregnancy the doctors scared the crap out of me during my check ups reminding me that I can die because of uterine rupture. They really amped up and dramatised the risk of a uterine rupture. They told me to come in straight away when my waters break. Got there, they didn't even let me labour more than 1 hour and said I should have a c section. I wasn't even dilated.. So mad. But third pregnancy now and I told them I'm trying vbac and so far they didn't go for the scare tactics as before. Hopefully all will be okay. The doctors I have this time are great and told me the truth that it's only 1-2% chance.

I've really enjoyed watching your videos. I am thinking about becoming a childbirth educator and lactation consultant along with possibly being a doula. I've always been passionate about the birth process and wanted to be a nurse when I was young (not so young anymore). Your videos are great! Very educational and you are too funny! I love your sense of humor and your bloopers 🤣

I always went at 4 centimeters because at 6 it was too much and my poor husband would have had to drop me at psycho ward at that point. Guess what? 40 years and 5 kids later - none of this advice has changed. It cracks me up when my daughter acts so superior and says "Mom, things have changed". No, no they haven't- aside from women having many more caeserians and that's a different subject.

I just had my first 6-13-18. 6-12-18 I started having contractions no longer than 10 minutes apart. Every 5 minutes, every 6 minutes, every 3 minutes very irregular but consistent from 5 am and finally decided to go to the hospital by 3pm. They never got closer together but they were getting stronger. I went to the hospital and I was only 2 1/2 cm dilated so they sent me home. THE CONTRACTIONS NEVER WENT AWAY. I didn't get to sleep cause they were too painful. The next day I went to the hospital again because they were very painful and still wouldn't go away but still very irregular. Every 6 minutes, every 10 minutes, every 3 minutes. I was dilated to a 5. I didn't get an epidural til I was 8 cm and the whole time my contractions were still very irregular. Maybe I just had a weird labor. Lol but I can definitely tell you it was a miserable two days and I was completely exhausted after pushing the little guy out. (still exhausted cause I got a newborn baby)

I'm almost 39 weeks and today I found out I dilate 3cm. Can't wait. Thx for your video

“ woah I was breathing to well”😂😂😂😂

“I need to push.” “Girl no you don’t.” 😂😂😂

This is great. Pretty perfectly in line with what we’ve learned in our Bradley classes

I'm 39 weeks pregnant and this is so helpful lmao😄❤

First time momma to be but this video and your enthusiasm helped calm my nerves about labor in approximately 9weeks. Thank you for this video!!

Looked up labor pain and came across your video. I’m 35 weeks, i thought omg what if this is it!!?? I was needing to cope and would cringe from the pain on my stomach area. I can not tolerate pain and what it turns out being is stomach pain and diarrhea after those tough 3 minutes of pain. Oh dear lord! That was nothing, don’t know how I’ll get through labor! I’m a weenie. :(

Last pregnancy my contractions got worse but we're never consistent and water never broke so i stayed home when I did go to the hospital they said I was 8cm dialated and had baby 2 hours later

Thank you for this!! Nobody explains this well to first time moms and its very confusing! I feel a lot better and more educated as to what exactly I'm looking for now!

This was by far the most helpful video that I’ve seen! Thank you so much for explaining it so well, and doing so with humor

“I must push.” Lmfaooooo