Many couples are concerned if they will know when to come to the hospital. Basically, you will need to come to the hospital if any one of the following things occur:

• Progressive contractions
  This means contractions which over time come more frequently, last longer and become more intense.


• Rupture of Membranes
  If your "water breaks", or membranes rupture, you should come to the hospital right away. If you suspect your membranes might have ruptured, please do not try to diagnose this yourself at home.


• Heavy vaginal bleeding
  If you should have vaginal bleeding which requires the wearing of a pad, please come to the hospital right away. There are many things which can cause vaginal bleeding in pregnancy. While many are not detrimental, some can be very serious, so please call your physician and come to the hospital.


• A Significant Change in the pain you are experiencing, or Unrelenting Abdominal Pain
  While this may not be labor, unrelenting and/or severe abdominal pain needs to be assessed by a physician.

When coming to the hospital for signs of labor, please come through the Emergency Department at the rear of the hospital. Tell the Registration Clerk that you are a patient for Labor & Delivery. You will need your driver's license, your insurance card and your insurance co-payment. Once the registration process has been completed, personnel from Labor & Delivery will come to escort you to your Labor Room. For your safety we will ask that you ride by wheelchair.

Please remember, if you think you are in labor, do not eat or drink.