When to Come to the Hospital & Other FAQslabor.jpg

It can be tough to know when labor is happening for certain and if you should come to the hospital or not. The following information will help guide you on what to do when the time to have your baby arrives.

When Should I Come to the Hospital?

Your physician would like you to come to New Beginnings Birth Center once you have experienced any of the following signs of labor:

  • Vaginal bleeding much like a menstrual period
  • Rupture of membranes or leakage of amniotic fluid
  • Call the OB unit if uterine contractions are regular, last at least a minute in duration, and are coming close together at a frequency of 5 to 10 minutes apart
  • If you have a history of rapid labors, please come to the hospital when you first start experiencing any backache or low abdominal cramping.

If you have questions or concerns, please call (605) 696-9000, extension 8052.

Where Should I Go When I Reach Brookings Hospital?

Please come to the hospital's emergency room entrance. A receptionist will notify the OB nursing staff of your arrival.

We recommend you call New Beginnings Birth Center at (605) 696-9000, extension 8052 prior to leaving home. You do not need to call your physician prior to arriving at the hospital. New Beginnings Birth Center staff will notify your physician upon your arrival.

What if I Go into Preterm Labor?

Preterm labor is defined as labor that happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy. It can result in premature birth. Preterm labor can be unpredictable and the symptoms aren’t always clear. Some of the signs include: 

  • Contractions
  • Constant low, dull backache
  • A sensation of pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
  • Mild abdominal cramps
  • Spotting or light bleeding
  • Water breaking/membrane rupture
  • A change in vaginal discharge to watery, mucus-like or bloody

If you experience these signs and symptoms or are worried about what you are feeling, contact your OB/GYN, call New Beginnings Birth Center at (605) 696-9000, extension 8052, or come to the emergency room if needed. Preterm labor needs immediate medical attention. 

If you think you are in preterm labor, come to Brookings Health System or your closest delivering facility for stabilization. Our obstetrics team can evaluate and stabilize by performing tests and administering medications needed to keep you and your baby safe until you are transported to higher level of care. If that helps stabilize you, we can transfer you to a facility with preterm labor and premature birth specialists. If that does not stabilize you, our obstetrics team will deliver at Brookings Hospital. Our neonatal-trained team will stabilize your baby for transfer to a facility with a neonatal intensive care unit. You will be able to join your baby once you are medically cleared by your physician.