Giving birth: When to call your health care provider

Your health care provider may ask you to call the hospital, rather than the office or clinic, if you have any of these signs:

• your water breaks (a leak or gush of fluid from your vagina)
• you are bleeding from your vagina
• you have extreme, sharp pain
• you've been having contractions 5 minutes apart or less for at least an hour
• you have any specific pregnancy problems
• you have any concerns that need attention right away.

Related Links

Reporting that you're in labor

When you arrive at the hospital

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 09/14/2009

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts