1) Consistent, regular,
painful contractions which have been occurring every 5
minutes (from the start of one contraction until the start
of the next contraction) for at least one hour. Each
contraction should last 30 to 60 seconds or more.
OR contractions occurring every 10
minutes for at least one hour if you live more than 30
minutes from the hospital, if you have a history of a fast
labor, or if you were dilated 3 or more centimeters at your
last visit.
2) Vaginal bleeding. A small amount
of spotting is normal for a day or two after a vaginal
examination. Any other vaginal bleeding should be
immediately reported to a nurse or a doctor at our
office.
3) Rupture of membranes. If you
break your bag of waters, or if you think you might be
leaking amniotic fluid, you should call right away. You will
need to come to the office or to the hospital for
evaluation.
4) Decreased fetal movement. The
baby should move at least 12 times a day. This should
continue right up to the baby's birth. If you think that
your baby is not moving that much, lie down on your left
side after eating and count fetal movements. You should feel
at least 4 in an hour. If you still don't feel at least 4
movements in an hour, call immediately. You will need to
come to the office or to the hospital for fetal
monitoring.