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If it's your first pregnancy, you may feel unsure about when you should go into hospital. The best thing to do is to call your hospital or unit for advice:

• If your waters have broken, you'll probably be told to go in to be checked.
• If it is your first baby and you are having contractions but your waters have not broken, you may be told to wait.
• You will probably be told to come in when your contractions are regular, strong, about five minutes apart and lasting about 60 seconds. If you don't live near your hospital you may need to come in before you get to this stage.
• Second babies (and third, fourth and so on) often arrive more quickly than the first, so you may need to contact the hospital, or your maternity unit sooner.

Don’t forget to phone the hospital or unit before leaving home and remember your pregnancy notes.

If you are planning a home delivery, follow the procedure you have agreed with your nurse or doctor during your discussions about the onset of labour. If a home birth is carried in the rural areas a dai or a skilled birth attendant is advised to stay with the mother