When to Call Your Health Care Provider

Home/Labour & Birth/When to Call Your Health Care Provider

Many people may stay at home during early labour. Early labour can last many hours or days and is a normal part of the birthing process. However, during this time, it is important to know when to call your health care provider and how to rest and conserve your energy. Just like preparing for any endurance activity, early labour is the best time to try and sleep, take baths and eat and drink enough to keep your energy up for later.

If your contractions become regular and stronger or uncomfortable, your water breaks or leaks, or you have vaginal bleeding or "show" (pink tinged vaginal mucus) along with the contractions, it is usually a good time to contact your health care provider.

You should call 911, other emergency services, or your midwife immediately if you think you may need emergency care. This includes severe vaginal bleeding, severe pain in your belly or pelvis, or you feel your baby has stopped moving or is moving much less than normal.

If you are simply uncomfortable staying at home, have trouble coping with your contractions, or have been advised to call for any other reasons, do not hesitate to contact your health care provider.

Please see the resources below for information on early labour, what you can do for comfort, and when to call for support.