When should I go to hospital in labor?

Follow the 5-1-1 rule: contractions every 5 min, lasting 1 min, for 1 hour.

Labor & Delivery Date Calculator — When Will I Go Into...

Understanding Labor Timing

Labor onset is spontaneous and can occur at any point in the 37–42 week window for a normal pregnancy. Understanding the different term designations helps you know when to expect baby and when to contact your OB-GYN.

Term Classifications (ACOG 2013)

Early Term: 37 0/7 – 38 6/7 weeks — baby is physically ready but still maturing
Full Term: 39 0/7 – 40 6/7 weeks — optimal developmental completion, best outcomes
Late Term: 41 0/7 – 41 6/7 weeks — induction often recommended
Post Term: 42 weeks+ — requires medical intervention

Signs of Labor

Regular contractions that increase in frequency and intensity
Water breaking (rupture of membranes)
Bloody show (mucus plug with blood)
Lower back pain that radiates to the abdomen
Pressure in the pelvis and rectal area

When to Go to the Hospital

Call your OB-GYN or go to the hospital when contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for at least 1 hour (the 5-1-1 rule) — or if your water breaks, you experience heavy bleeding, decreased fetal movement, or feel something is wrong.

Medical Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

When Will You Go Into Labor?

While your due date is a single target date, labor and delivery can naturally begin anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy. Our labor and delivery calculator shows your full delivery window — the earliest date you might go into labor and the latest before induction is typically recommended.

Understanding Your Delivery Window

37 weeks — Early term: Baby considered safe to deliver if labor begins spontaneously
38 weeks — Early term: Lungs almost fully mature
39–40 weeks — Full term: Optimal time for delivery — best outcomes
41 weeks — Late term: Doctor will likely discuss induction
42 weeks — Post-term: Induction usually recommended due to placental aging

Early Signs of Labor

Lightening — baby drops lower into the pelvis
Bloody show — pink or brownish mucus discharge (mucus plug passing)
Waters breaking — either a gush or a slow trickle
Regular contractions that intensify and get closer together
Lower back pain that comes in waves

At what week do most women go into labor?

Most spontaneous labors occur between 39 and 40 weeks. About 10% of women go into labor before 37 weeks (preterm) and about 10% go past 41 weeks.

What triggers labor to start?

Labor is triggered by a complex hormonal cascade involving the baby, placenta, and uterus. Rising prostaglandins and oxytocin drive contractions. The exact trigger is still not fully understood.

When should I go to the hospital in labor?

Follow the 5-1-1 rule: contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. Or go immediately if your waters break, you have heavy bleeding, or you're concerned.

Labor & Delivery Date Calculator

Labor & Delivery Dates