When to go to maternity?

If you are pregnant and at the end of your pregnancy, you are certainly wondering when to go to the maternity ward ? You have been waiting for 9 months for this very important day, this day when your baby will finally decide to point the tip of his nose to have the most beautiful encounter of your life. However, it is not always easy to recognize when labor actually begins. In this blog article, we explain all the signals to know when to go to the maternity ward.

Summary

Prepare your maternity suitcase
The birth plan
What are the signs to know when to go to the maternity ward?
The difference between a labor contraction and a late pregnancy contraction
Other signals to go to the maternity ward

Prepare your maternity suitcase

The maternity suitcase allows future parents to prepare for childbirth and to project themselves into this very important day. You can start the maternity bag at the beginning of the 8th month of pregnancy in case your baby decides to arrive a little earlier than expected. It is best to prepare two suitcases: one suitcase for the delivery room and one suitcase for the living room. Preparing your suitcase well in advance means making sure you are ready to go to the maternity ward.

Moreover, take the opportunity to slip in our organic baby products to have with you on D-Day the essentials to take care of the skin of your future baby.

To help you prepare your suitcase and find explanatory lists, you can ask your maternity ward or your gynecologist. However, you can also find a detailed list to pack your maternity suitcase .

The birth plan

The arrival of a little being in the family is always a source of stress. The first signals begin to arrive and everything is mixed up in your head: Did I think of putting everything in my maternity suitcase? am i ready to give birth? When to go to maternity? So many questions cross your mind.

To avoid a stressful and hasty departure to the maternity ward, remember to anticipate your stay with your spouse . Indeed, it is important to discuss with the dad beforehand in order to include him in the birth plan.
He will be able to participate in major decisions on breastfeeding or even on the epidural. In addition, additional help for the organization of the suitcase cannot be refused. A prepared dad and a dad who will help you on D-Day!

What are the signs to know when to go to the maternity ward?

Childbirth is fast approaching… However, you don't know if you will be able to recognize the usual contractions during pregnancy from those of childbirth. What are the warning signs of childbirth to know when to go to the maternity ward ?

Loss of mucous plug

The mucous plug is a collection of cervical mucus that accumulates during pregnancy at the cervix. Its only purpose (and not the least!) is to protect your baby from germs and all external bacteria. The loss of this plug is completely painless and does not mean that you are about to give birth ! The mucous plug has a thick, stringy and sticky texture. Its color can vary between white, pink or brown. Indeed, the mucous plug may be accompanied by a few filaments of blood, completely normal at this stage of pregnancy.

Contrary to popular belief, some women may lose this mucous plug during the last month of pregnancy and others during labor. However, if this loss of the mucous plug is accompanied by contractions, head to the maternity ward. And if you lose it between the sixth and eighth month, consult a health professional.

Should we go to the maternity ward when our water breaks?

This breaking of the waters usually occurs at the end of pregnancy. It can be triggered without there having been any uterine contractions. This sterile environment in which your baby is placed is a precious barrier against certain external aggressions. When it breaks frankly, it is a sign of the arrival of your future baby. The coloring of the liquid is important. If it is clear, you have two hours to get to the maternity ward. If the latter is tinted, go as soon as possible to the chosen maternity ward.

Water breaking can also happen after you arrive at the maternity ward. If you think the arrival of a baby is imminent, don't necessarily wait for the water bag to break to go to the maternity ward.

If you have the slightest doubt or if you think you have a ruptured water bag, do not hesitate to go to the maternity ward as well. Indeed, a crack in the pocket will break the sterile environment in which your baby is.

Very close uterine contractions

Where do uterine contractions come from? They are due to the tightening and relaxation of the cervix. This will allow the cervix to open and make room for the passage of the baby. They are manifested by a hardening of your belly.

At first, the contractions should be irregular. Then, when they are more regular (every five minutes), they last more than 30 seconds and they are intense and painful, it will be time to go to the maternity ward. Generally, they are felt in the lower abdomen or back. However, if you come a little too early, don't worry, it also helps to reassure you and to follow the progress of the work.

Finally, dilatation of the cervix is also an important warning sign.

The difference between a labor contraction and a late pregnancy contraction

There are two types of contractions: labor contractions and "end of pregnancy" contractions. But, how to differentiate them?

To tell you more, late-pregnancy contractions usually arrive at the end of the day. If they last less than thirty seconds and if with a little rest, they lessen or disappear, it means that you are not yet about to give birth.

Conversely, labor contractions do not stop, even with a rest period. Often they are painful and you will feel a stretch in your lower stomach and back.