What is a primary indication for patients in labor to go to the hospital?

The primary indication for patients in labor to go to the hospital is the rupture of membranes. When the membranes rupture, it signals that the protective amniotic sac has broken, which can increase the risk of infection for both the mother and the fetus. It can also indicate that labor might begin imminently or that it is already in progress. Once the membranes rupture, healthcare providers will usually instruct the patient to come to the hospital to monitor the health of both the mother and the baby, assess labor progress, and make necessary arrangements for care.

Other signs, such as contractions occurring every 10 minutes for at least an hour and the presence of a bloody show, are important indicators that labor may be approaching, but they do not carry the same level of urgency as ruptured membranes. Increased fetal movement may provide reassurance about fetal well-being, but it is not an indication for immediate hospital admission. Therefore, the rupture of membranes stands out as a key reason for patients in labor to seek hospital care.