Breith Áthas Childbirth Support Services
When to Call Your Caregiver

This information is adapted from Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn, by Simkin, et. al.

---

Check with your doctor or midwife about her/his preferences of when and whom to call.

Call your doula as soon as you think you may be experiencing labor!

If this is your first baby, you should call when your membranes rupture or when the contractions are intense (lasting a full minute and requiring total concentration and patterned breathing). By this time, contractions may be about five minutes apart or less.

If you have had one or more children before, you should call when your membranes rupture or when you are experiencing regular contractions and several of the possible or preliminary signs of labor (for example, contractions with soft bowel movements, bloody show, and so on.

If you have a condition that requires more early labor observation in the hospital, call whenever you suspect labor. Your caregiver should have told you if you have such a conditions (for example, positive Group B strep status, a herpes sore, high blood pressure, or others).

Even without evidence of true labor you may always call if you are anxious, have questions, live far away, or have received specific instructions from your caregiver.