| Start | Duration | Interval since previous |
|---|
The "4-1-1" rule UK maternity units often quote
Many UK maternity units advise first-time mothers to call when contractions follow the "4-1-1" pattern: every 4 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for at least 1 hour, though the exact threshold your unit uses can differ, and is usually less strict for second or later babies, who tend to arrive faster. Always call your specific maternity unit's triage line for guidance rather than relying on a generic rule alone, since they know your individual history.
Your midwife or maternity triage line is the right first call
In the UK, the first port of call during labour is normally your named midwife or the maternity triage phone line at your chosen hospital, not 999, unless there is a genuine emergency such as heavy bleeding or reduced fetal movement. Keep that number saved in your phone well before your due date, along with your NHS number and hospital notes.