Going into labor Q

Ok this is going to sound dumb, but I'm actually nervous how this all works. Let's say I go into labor over the weekend or over night. I call my OB, and I guess leave a message, never called during non office hours. Then do I wait to hear from him, or head to the hospital? We have a 45 min drive to the hospital. What if I never hear back before I get there? Do I just tell the hospital who my doctor is (it's a solo practice if that matters?) I'm going to ask him on Tuesday how this works, but just wanted some info from BTDTs or anyone in the know.
TIA

Re: Going into labor Q

there should be an on-call dr or after hours number so that you can reach him whenever you go into labor. good luck!!!

Re: Going into labor Q

When your water breaks and/or your contractions are 5 minutes apart, you go. The hospital has his dieect number and will call him again.

Obviously this is different if you have any complications or special circumstances.

Re: Going into labor Q

Some offices have an on call "receptionist" that will pick up when you press whatever number it is for an emergency. She will then call ob, and then ob will call you back. Other offices you leave a message when you press the emergency key, but don't worry ob will call you back. In my case, my ob was a solo practice so the head rn called me back, heard my contractions were really close and told me to go straight in to meet on call. I was also 45 minutes away. Ob suggested I call when contractions were 10 minutes apart. Mine started straight at 4 minutes apart so unlike others who wait hours for contractions to get closer to call, I called after 40 minutes.....once you call, they call hospital. Hospital will be waiting for you.

Message edited 10/2/2011 9:17:06 AM.

Re: Going into labor Q

For me, there was a doctor on call (the practice has 5) and so we called the emergency 800 number who then contacted the dr who then called us back. She wanted us to go to the hospital right away (water broke but no contractions).

Re: Going into labor Q

Thanks ladies!

Re: Going into labor Q

Your Drs office should give you detailed instructions.

My Dr is a solo and he delivers at 2 hospitals so I have to know where he is before I just head off to a hospital because he might be at the other one.

I would ask at your next appt.