When to go to the maternity unit?

How do you know when it’s the right time to go to the maternity unit? Does it really happen like in the films? With litres of water suddenly gushing onto the floor to tell me it’s time to rush to the maternity unit? In reality, it rarely happens like that. We give you all the keys to knowing when to go to the maternity unit!

First contractions: how do you recognise them?

The first contractions signal the start of labour. But don’t panic, you have time ahead of you! For a first baby, labour usually lasts between 8 and 10 hours. So you have time before your newborn arrives. At first, the contractions are irregular and not very painful (similar to period pains). Then they come closer together, become regular and more intense. This stage can last a while, during which you can relax (have a warm bath, for example). It’s important to time the gap between each contraction. For a first baby, it’s recommended to go to the maternity unit when the contractions come every 5 minutes and become painful. For later births, contractions usually progress more quickly. You can go to the maternity unit after an hour of contractions if they are 10 minutes apart. Of course, if you have the slightest doubt or question, you can call the on-call team at your maternity unit. You can even arrive at the maternity unit earlier if it reassures you. But remember that it will always be more pleasant to relax at home, with a shower or a nice warm bath for example, than to wait for a long time in a waiting room.

I've been told not to confuse them with false labour. What's the difference?

During your ninth month of pregnancy, you may feel real contractions even though labour hasn't started. This false labour shows up as your bump tightening for 20 to 30 seconds roughly every 15 minutes. These contractions aren't really painful, but they are intense and tend to spread towards your back. Unlike the first contractions of labour, during false labour the contractions don't build up. They aren't regular and don't become more intense over time. What's more, they quickly fade away on their own or with an antispasmodic medicine.

Losing the mucus plug: what is it?

This loss is also an early sign that labour is on its way. As its name suggests, the mucus plug seals the cervix. It protects your baby from any risk of infection. Losing it means your cervix is changing and so labour is near (within the next few days). The plug looks like a jelly-like discharge that can sometimes be streaked with blood. You may even lose it without noticing, as it's painless. And don't worry: your baby is still protected by the amniotic sac.

My waters have broken: do I need to rush to the maternity hospital?

The breaking of the waters is the last sign that the birth is imminent. It is marked by a sudden loss of amniotic fluid, which is painless, colourless and lukewarm. Depending on the woman, the amount may be larger or smaller, and the fluid may come out all at once or in several goes. Be careful, as from this point on the risk of infection is higher. So it is time to put on a sanitary pad and head straight to the maternity unit, even if you are not having contractions yet. Labour usually starts naturally a few hours after the waters break. Other scenarios exist, but they still require immediate care from the maternity unit. The membranes may only tear slightly, so you may just notice light leaks, often mistaken for the loss of the mucus plug or for urine leaks. The waters may even stay intact until the birth: the baby is then said to be born “en caul”. In this case, you mainly need to rely on your contractions.

And how will I feel on the big day?

Every one of you is different, and so are your moods and reactions. There's no "typical" pattern. Some mums-to-be feel very tired, nauseous or all over the place on the big day. Others, on the contrary, are full of energy, feel great and are sometimes gripped by an urge to tidy up. The key is to listen to yourself: every woman feels and experiences this day differently.

It’s time to check your bag one last time!

Have you thought of everything so that baby has all they need? Check that your bag contains: five bodysuits, five sleepsuits, a going-home outfit, three muslin squares and bibs, a baby sleeping bag, a little hat, a comforter, a pacifier and a hooded towel. Your maternity unit usually provides them, but you can also bring nappies, body and hair wash and moisturiser. Bag not finished yet? It’s time to complete it. Good news: we specialise in getting ready for baby’s arrival. All our products have been designed with the help of health professionals and are made of organic cotton to avoid any risk of irritating baby’s delicate skin. To finish packing your bag, this way!

Either way, rest assured: your baby won't make an appearance without warning you! Listen to your body and count on your partner to react quickly when it's time to head to the maternity hospital.

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.