When it's time to head to the hospital

Call your provider (not the general hospital number) when contractions follow the 5-1-1 pattern, when your water breaks, or if you notice bleeding heavier than a light period. They'll tell you specifically when to come in. Bring the bag, drive calmly, and take the route you've practiced. First labors take an average of 12–18 hours from active labor to delivery — you have time. Traffic, red lights, and small delays are not emergencies. Go in immediately (or call an ambulance) for these red flags: heavy bleeding, severe headache with vision changes, sudden intense pain, feeling faint, or the cord protruding after your water breaks. Otherwise, the calm-drive timing is much more common than the movie-style rush.