Contractions
A contraction is the painful tightening of the uterus. For most women this is an indescribable feeling that is instantly recognized when felt. Contractions that are 3 to 4 minutes apart and last for one minute cause the uterus to dilate. Call us when you are having contractions every 3 to 4 minutes that last one minute during a period of 2 hours. If you have given birth before, you don’t need to wait 2 hours. You can call us after 1 hour or whenever you think you need us.
Loss of amniotic fluid
The uterus contains a large amount of amniotic fluid, surrounded by tough, elastic membranes. When these membranes break, amniotic fluid starts leaking out. This can come out in a gush but also as a slow trickle. Call us if you think your waters have broken. During the day you should call immediately. If you lose clear amniotic fluid without having contractions at night, you can call in the morning. In case the fluid is green or brown, please call our emergency number, day or night.