When Labor Begins

When to Contact Us

With your due date approaching, it’s important to know when to contact us. You should call us if you experience any of the following:

Regular Uterine Contractions

Contractions of the uterus are usually the first sign of labor. Contractions feel like menstrual cramps, with pressure or pain in the lower abdomen or back occurring at regular intervals. By resting your hands on your belly, you can feel the uterus tightening and getting hard during a contraction. Remember that a normal labor typically lasts 12-24 hours. For a healthy patient with no complications, it is generally more comfortable to spend the early part of labor at home. When contractions are 3-5 minutes apart or less, lasting 60 seconds or longer and you cannot comfortably speak or walk during a contraction, you should call us. Obviously, if you have a history of a previous rapid labor, you’ll need to call us sooner.

Your Water Breaks

In some women, labor begins with fluid leaking out of the sac surrounding the baby—their “water breaks” (technically called “rupture of the membranes”). This may occur with an impressive gush or may be a steady leak that repeatedly soaks your underwear. In most cases, contractions begin within a few hours of rupture of the membranes. If you think you’re leaking fluid, call us immediately. We may ask you to be evaluated in the hospital or to wait to be evaluated in the office. Be sure to note whether the fluid is clear, or colored yellow or green when you call.

Insufficient Fetal Movement

Babies are usually less active in the last few weeks of pregnancy. If you feel that the baby is not active enough, place yourself in a quiet room without distractions (no television or cell phone) and rest both hands on your abdomen. You should feel the baby move at least six times over the course of an hour. If the baby does not move or if movements are noticeably decreased, do not worry-healthy babies normally have sleepy times during which they are less active. Call the office or the on-call service and explain to the obstetrician what is going on.

Bleeding

Prior to the onset of labor, most women will pass a brown, sticky substance called the mucous plug. This is completely normal, so do not be alarmed. Once contractions begin, a small amount of bleeding from the dilating cervix is also normal. The bleeding should at all times be lighter than a period. If your bleeding is heavier than this, contact us.

When It’s Time to Deliver

As your due date approaches, it’s natural to have questions about when to call, where to go, and who will be there to care for you. The information below will help you feel prepared and confident when it’s time to welcome your baby.

Contacting the Answering Service

If you have an urgent question or believe you may be in labor, please call our office before going to the hospital whenever possible. During regular business hours, you’ll speak with a member of our office staff. After hours, weekends, and holidays, you should call our on-call line directly at 516-692-3738, which will put you in contact the WHP physician on call.

Once your message has been received, you should expect a return call from the on-call physician within approximately 15 minutes. Occasionally, there may be a slight delay if the physician is actively caring for patients in Labor & Delivery or the operating room. If you have not received a return call within 30 minutes, please contact the answering service again.

Note: If you have caller ID or call blocking enabled, please disable it before calling the answering service so the on-call physician can return your call without delay.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 immediately. If you are unable to reach the physician on call and believe you need immediate obstetrical evaluation, proceed directly to your designated delivery hospital.

Most women have questions or concerns as labor approaches, and that’s completely normal. If you’re wondering whether you should call us, you probably should. We’re here to help and would much rather answer your questions than have you worry at home.

Where Will I Deliver?

The Woman’s Health Pavilion is proud to partner with two exceptional hospital systems for obstetric deliveries, giving our patients greater flexibility and access to outstanding maternity care.

Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll discuss the hospital options available to you and determine the delivery location that best meets your medical needs and personal preferences. By the time your delivery day arrives, your delivery hospital will already be established, so you’ll know exactly where to go when labor begins.

Depending on your individualized delivery plan, you will deliver at one of our trusted hospital partners.

Northwell Health’s Katz Women’s Hospital at Long Island Jewish Medical Center

Located in New Hyde Park on the Queens–Nassau border, Katz Women’s Hospital is conveniently accessible from the Long Island Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, Northern State Parkway, and Cross Island Parkway, making it an ideal location for patients throughout Nassau County, Queens, and western Suffolk County.

Address
270-05 76th Avenue
New Hyde Park, NY 11040

Print out directions to the hospital

Mount Sinai South Nassau

Located in Oceanside on Long Island’s South Shore, Mount Sinai South Nassau is conveniently accessible from the Southern State Parkway, Meadowbrook Parkway, Sunrise Highway, and Merrick Road, providing easy access for patients throughout southern Nassau County and neighboring communities.

Address
One Healthy Way
Oceanside, NY 11572

New Hyde Park, NY 11040

Print out directions to the hospital

To help make your arrival as smooth as possible, we encourage you to become familiar with the route to your designated delivery hospital before your due date. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, consider making a “trial run” during your third trimester.

We also recommend completing your hospital’s maternity pre-registration before delivery to help expedite the admission process when you arrive in labor.

On-Call Coverage

At The Woman’s Health Pavilion, we believe in a team-based approach to obstetric care. Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll meet with several of our experienced OB-GYN providers, allowing you to become familiar with the physicians who may care for you during labor and delivery. This collaborative model ensures continuity of care throughout your pregnancy and prepares you for the possibility that the provider who delivers your baby may not be the provider you see most often in the office.

In addition to the obstetricians you’ll meet during your prenatal visits, WHP also has dedicated Laborists who are members of our practice and focus exclusively on caring for patients in the hospital. This ensures that an experienced provider is always available to provide timely, compassionate care when you need it most, regardless of when your baby decides to arrive.

A Team You Can Trust

Whether you deliver at Northwell Health’s Katz Women’s Hospital at Long Island Jewish Medical Center or Mount Sinai South Nassau, you can feel confident knowing your care is guided by the trusted providers. Our collaborative approach, experienced obstetric team, and strong hospital partnerships ensure you’ll receive exceptional, compassionate care throughout your pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum journey.

From your very first prenatal visit through the birth of your baby and beyond, our goal is to provide personalized, evidence-based care, clear communication, and unwavering support. By getting to know several members of our obstetric team throughout your pregnancy, you’ll have confidence that—regardless of who is on call when your baby arrives—you’ll be cared for by experienced professionals who share the same commitment to you and your growing family.

We are honored to be part of this special journey and look forward to helping you welcome your newest family member.