It's 2:30 in the morning. Contractions have started. Do you know what to do right now?
A birth day emergency plan is not about controlling everything — it's about having the practical pieces in place so you can focus on what matters. Here is a complete guide to everything you should think through and prepare before the big day.
When should you go to the hospital?
The most common question is: when is it time? The answer depends on whether this is your first birth or if you've given birth before.
First-time parents
Use the 5-1-1 rule: Go when contractions come every 5 minutes, last for 1 minute, and have been consistent for 1 hour.
Parents who have given birth before
A second (or third, fourth) birth often moves faster. Many midwives recommend going to the hospital earlier — perhaps already when contractions are regular every 7–8 minutes, or sooner if your previous birth was fast.
Always call at:
- Water breaking (regardless of whether you have contractions)
- Bleeding beyond light spotting
- Decreased fetal movement
- Contractions before 37 weeks
- Severe headache with visual disturbances
Call emergency services immediately for heavy bleeding, discolored amniotic fluid (greenish), continuous pain without pauses, or if you feel the baby pushing out.
The transportation plan
Have a clear plan for how you will get to the hospital. And have a backup plan.
Transportation checklist
- The route: Drive the route to the hospital in advance. Know where to park, which entrance to use, and where the maternity ward is.
- Alternative route: Think through a Plan B for rush hour, road work or closed roads.
- Fuel: Keep the car full from week 37. You do not want to stop at a gas station during contractions.
- Car seat: Install the baby's car seat in good time. The hospital will not let you leave without it.
- Taxi alternative: Save a local taxi number. Some areas have dedicated birth taxis.
- Long distance: If you live far from the hospital, speak with your midwife about arriving early. Some hospitals have patient accommodation nearby.
Keep a towel and a plastic bag in the car. Water breaking in the car is more common than you think, and it is good to be prepared.
What to pack?
Have your hospital bag packed and ready from week 36. Here are the essentials:
For you
- Maternity care card / prenatal records
- ID and insurance card
- Phone charger cable
- Comfortable clothes for labor (something you don't mind getting ruined)
- Slippers and socks
- Toiletries
- Nursing bra and breast pads
- Clothes for the journey home (think comfortable — not pre-pregnancy size)
For the baby
- 2–3 onesies (newborn / size 50–56)
- Pants or a footed sleeper
- Hat and socks
- Newborn diapers
- Car seat for the journey home
For your partner
- Snacks and drinks (it can take a long time)
- Phone charger
- A change of clothes
- Camera or fully charged phone
The contact list
Create a list of important numbers and share it with your partner. Keep it available both on paper and on your phone.
Numbers you need
- Labor ward: Call here when contractions start. Find the number on your hospital's website.
- Midwife / OB: For questions beforehand.
- Emergency services: For acute situations.
- Childcare: The person who will look after older siblings (see next section).
- Close family: Those to be notified when the baby is born.
- Employer: To let them know you are in labor.
Create a small group chat with the 3–5 people to be notified first. Then you send one message instead of five when the baby arrives.
Childcare for older siblings
If you already have children, this may be the most important part of your emergency plan.
Primary plan
Choose one person who can show up on short notice, ideally someone who lives nearby. It could be grandparents, good friends, or neighbors. Confirm this early and clearly.
Backup plan
Have at least one other person who can step in. Births often start at night or on weekends, and people are not always available.
Prepare the children
- Tell them that mom and dad may need to go to the hospital during the night
- Tell them who will come and look after them
- Let them get to know that person beforehand
- Prepare a "fun bag" with toys, drawing supplies or a film they can watch
Practical
- Lay out clothes for the children the evening before (from week 37)
- Write down the routines for the caregiver: bedtime, allergies, food routines
- Give them a key in good time
Home — prepare for coming back
You will arrive home with a newborn and limited energy. Prepare what you can in advance.
- Fill the freezer with homemade meals (lasagna, stews, soups)
- Stock up on diapers, wipes and postpartum pads
- Clean and tidy the house (or lower your standards — that is also fine)
- Set up the changing area
- Prepare baby clothes in the right sizes
- Download food delivery apps on your phone
Ask grandparents or friends to cook meals for the freezer as a "baby gift" instead of yet another toy. It is the most valuable gift new parents can receive.
Mental preparation
The practical side is one thing. Mental preparation is equally important.
- Talk with your partner about expectations and roles during birth
- Read about the stages of labor so you both know what to expect
- Write a birth plan with your wishes for the birth
- Agree on a code word with your partner for "I need a break" or "speak for me"
- Accept that plans can change — flexibility is the best preparation
Frequently asked questions
When should the hospital bag be packed?
Pack from week 36, at the latest by week 37. Babies that come early happen more often than you think. Place the bag by the door so you do not have to search in a panic.
What if contractions start and my partner is unavailable?
Have a backup person who can drive you to the hospital or be with you. Agree on this in advance. Save a taxi number in your phone.
What if the baby comes very quickly?
Call emergency services and describe the situation. They will guide you over the phone. Lie down, breathe calmly, and let your body do the work. A very fast birth is uncommon with a first baby, but more common from baby number two onward.
Should we do a "practice run" to the hospital?
Yes, it is recommended. Drive the route at least once, ideally during rush hour. Find the parking, go in through the main entrance, and locate the maternity ward. It reduces stress on the actual day.
Summary
A good emergency plan brings peace of mind. Pack the bag, drive the route, arrange childcare, fill the freezer, and have the contact list ready. Do not be afraid to call the hospital "too early" — it is always better to call once too many than once too few.