Knowing When to Go

The most common question for first-time parents is: "When do we go?"

Go too early, and you might be sent home to wait it out. Stay too long, and you might have a stressful dash in the car. Fern Labour uses standard medical guidelines to monitor your contraction pattern and alertness when you enter the "active labour" zone.

The Rules of Thumb

Midwives and hospitals often use specific rules to gauge labour progress. Fern Labour looks for these patterns automatically.

First-time Mothers (The 3-1-1 Rule)

If this is your first baby, labour tends to be longer. The guidance is usually to wait until contractions are stronger and closer together.

1. Frequency: Contractions are 3 minutes apart.
2. Duration: Each contraction lasts 1 minute.
3. Consistency: This pattern has been happening for 1 hour.

If you have given birth before (The 5-1-1 Rule)

Second and subsequent labours can move much faster. The threshold for going to the hospital is lower.

1. Frequency: Contractions are 5 minutes apart.
2. Duration: Each contraction lasts 1 minute.
3. Consistency: This pattern has been happening for 1 hour.

Smart Alerts

You don't need to memorize these numbers. As you track, Fern Labour watches the pattern.

• Prepare Alert: When you hit the frequency and duration targets (e.g., 3 mins apart, 1 min long) for a short burst (4 contractions), we'll send a "Prepare" alert. This is your cue to get the bags ready and maybe call the midwife to give them a heads up. If you haven't been tracking for a full hour, consider that it may already be time to go to the hospital. Always consider your contractions and use your judgement.
• Go Alert: If that pattern holds steady for a full hour, we'll show the "Go to Hospital" alert.

When to Call Urgently

Tracking is great, but it's not the only sign. There are times when you should call your midwife or hospital immediately, regardless of what the app says:

• Waters Break: Especially if the fluid is green or brown.
• Bleeding: Any vaginal bleeding needs to be checked.
• Movement: If the baby is moving less than usual.
• Pre-term: If you are under 37 weeks.
• Intensity: If contractions are lasting longer than 2 minutes, or if you are having 6 or more in 10 minutes (hyperstimulation).

A Final Note

Fern Labour is a tool, not a doctor. Always trust your instincts. If you feel like something is wrong, or if you purely feel like you need support, make the call. It is always better to check in than to worry at home.