Call your medical provider if you think something is wrong. They are ready to answer pregnancy-related questions and provide guidance and direction on what steps to take.
You do NOT need to call if you have a “bloody show” or if you pass your mucus plug. As the cervix “ripens” and the canal flattens out (effacement), the honeycomb structure known as the “mucus plug” often comes out. This may happen all at once or slowly resembling a discharge. It has a tobacco-like odor. It may be yellowish, whitish, or even blood-tinged. The loss of the mucus plug, or bloody show, is not a true sign of labor.
You DO need to call if you have blood running down your leg. This is abnormal and should be reported. In summary, heavy vaginal bleeding, painful or painless (not spotting), should always be reported.
Call anytime your membranes rupture (bag of water breaks). This may be a sudden gush, or you may experience a slow leak of fluid. Amniotic fluid may be colorless or even blood-tinged. If you are in doubt, ALWAYS CALL. Do not walk around or travel in this condition.
Time your contractions from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. The duration is how long the contraction lasts. (Usual contractions last 25-60 seconds.)
- You may feel a tightening in the abdomen or just pressure in your back.
- Some women just feel a sensation in their upper thighs.
- Regardless of how you feel, check the contraction by pushing in on your abdomen with your thumb.
- If it is hard, even “rock-like,” then it is probably a contraction.
- Contractions of true labor have three characteristics:
- Get longer
- Become stronger
- Get closer together
- False labor goes away with activities such as walking.
Call your medical provider and provide your name, what baby this is for you, your contraction pattern, due date, and any additional information that is pertinent to your care such as:
- Breech
- Scheduled for C-section
- Have twins
- Water broke
- Where you live, etc.
If you are instructed to go to the hospital, have someone drive you there, carefully. This is not a good time to be involved in an automobile accident.
Contact Information & Directions
Delivering at Blessing Hospital — Call 217-223-8400 Extension 8450.
Blessing Hospital Maternity Unit — Blessed Beginnings
11th & Broadway, 4th Floor (South), Quincy, IL 62301
Recommended Steps:
- Park in Lot 6.
- 5 am-8:30 pm – Enter at the Main Entrance.
- After 8:30 pm – Enter at Emergency Department
- Follow signage directions to Blessed Beginnings Labor and Delivery.
- Take Elevator A to the 4th floor, turn left, then right.
