Labor 4-1-1: The Timing Trick Every Parent Should Know!
Thinking about laboring at home but unsure when to head to the hospital? Remember 4-1-1!
When your contractions become regular, start timing them. There are handy contraction timer apps you can download on your phone.
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If your contractions are 4 minutes apart, last 1 minute each, and this pattern continues for 1 hour, it's a sign that active labor has begun. Time to consider heading to the hospital!
For second-time moms, who usually have faster labors, use the 5-1-1 rule: contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour.
Always stay in touch with your midwife or doctor once you start feeling contractions so you get the help you need during labor.
