Moving into Hospital

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If you're planning a hospital birth, it's generally a good idea to move to hospital a few hours before birth to get settled in. Usually, that means moving into hospital when labour has become active. See our page on the Signs of Labour.

Regardless of where you plan to give birth, you can often safely labour at home longer before moving into the hospital or birth centre. If you have a midwife, they will help you to decide the right time to move into hospital. If you are planning a midwife home birth, you will be transferred to hospital only if safety issues arise or if your preferences change.

It's a great idea to talk to your health care provider in later pregnancy about your birth plan, including where you live in relation to your planned birthplace, to ensure you're comfortable with the situations that might require a transfer to hospital.

Warning: If you have bright red bleeding (with or without contractions) or if you suspect your membranes have ruptured (your waters have broken), or if you have strong or regular contractions before 37 weeks, or if your baby is moving less than usual, you should call your health care provider right away. These situations require monitoring and your caregiver will help you plan next steps.

Check out the links below for more information on the common signs of labour, tips for you and your support partner and when to contact your health care provider.