Going into labor? Here’s what to do

Why we ask you to come in instead of calling

Pregnancy emergencies cannot be safely evaluated over the phone. Whether your water has broken, whether you are in labor, and whether your baby is doing well all require an exam and fetal heart-rate monitoring. Going straight to Labor & Delivery gets you that evaluation fastest. Our office does not have an after-hours answering service.

Go to Labor & Delivery for any of these

• Leaking fluid or a gush of fluid from the vagina (your water may have broken), even if you have no contractions
• Vaginal bleeding more than light spotting
• Concern that you are in labor — regular, painful contractions, or strong pelvic pressure
• Decreased fetal movement — your baby is moving less than usual
• Regular contractions, cramping, or pressure before 37 weeks
• Severe headache, vision changes, severe pain in the upper belly, or constant abdominal pain
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

If you are not sure, come in. It is always better to be checked and sent home than to wait at home.

When to come in for contractions

For a first baby at full term, many patients come in when contractions are about 5 minutes apart, last about 1 minute each, and have kept that pattern for about 1 hour. Time contractions from the start of one to the start of the next.

Come in sooner — when contractions first become regular and painful — if this is not your first baby, you have had a fast labor before, you are planning a VBAC (birth after a prior cesarean), or you live far from the hospital. More about the signs of labor.

Where to go

• HospitalHCA Florida University Hospital
  3476 S University Drive, Davie, FL 33328
• Hospital main number954-475-4400 (main switchboard)

Which entrance to use

• 6 AM to 8 PM: use the hospital's main entrance and check in at the front desk in the main lobby.
• 8 PM to 6 AM: use the Emergency Department entrance and check in at the emergency desk.
• Tell the desk “I’m pregnant and need Labor & Delivery.” Give your due date and say you are a patient of Dr. Malik. If you are more than 20 weeks pregnant, staff will take you to Labor & Delivery. Earlier in pregnancy, you will usually be evaluated in the emergency department.

Parking

• Park in the patient and visitor parking closest to the entrance you are using. If you are in strong labor or bleeding, your driver can drop you at the door first, then park.
• Do not drive yourself if you are having strong contractions, heavy bleeding, or feel faint. Have someone drive you, or call 911.

What to bring

Keep a small bag packed by about 36 weeks. If you need to leave suddenly, go — do not delay care to finish packing.

Leave jewelry, valuables, and large amounts of cash at home. Full hospital bag checklist · Choosing a pediatrician · Car seat tips.

Before your due date

• Pre-register with the hospital online through HCA’s MyHealthONE portal, so check-in is faster. Hospital online registration.
• Take the free hospital maternity tour and classes. Classes & resources.
• Save the hospital address in your phone and plan your route.
• Read Where we deliver and After delivery: postpartum instructions.

Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.