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Childbirth/going into labor

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Expert: - 9/4/2009


Question
Do I have to go to the hospital when I loose my mucus plug, or is it safe to wait until my water break, to go to the hospital?

Answer
Domonique,

Your mucus plug can fall out weeks before you actually go into labor, so no, there is no need to go to the hospital when this happens.


Typically, your care provider will advise you to go to the hospital when your contractions are in a consistent pattern about 3-5 minutes apart and have been coming for an hour.  If your water breaks and contractions haven't started, you'll want to contact your provider to see when you are advised to go in.  Some will want you to come in right away and others will have you stay home if the contractions haven't started on their own.


To learn more about the loss of mucus plug, visit http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/loss-of-mucus-plug.html and for more on the signs of labor, visit http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/signs-of-labor.html


Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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