So you’re nine and a half months pregnant, and you’re starting to wonder: When do I get this baby out of me? It’s a great question, but one that defies easy answers. To make things a bit simpler, here are some guidelines for when to seek medical attention for your upcoming delivery.

Don’t go to the hospital when you start having painless contractions. These can begin weeks before the baby is due to arrive, and you’ll probably get sent right back home. It’s also not time to go to the hospital when you begin spotting. If you’re a woman, you’ve been spotting regularly since you were about twelve, so this tells you nothing.

Just because you’re dilated doesn’t mean there’s any reason to head to the hospital. For one thing, you have no idea whether or not you’re dilated unless you’re already a

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