So this is baby #3, my first was a c-section and second was a v-bac. Trying for a VBAC again. Anyways, with my first I didn't go into labor. I had a growth scan and fluid was low and baby was breech (39 weeks) so they said they were going to do a c-section when the clinic closed (so not an emergency). With my second I didn't know what to expect. The two weeks leading up to her birth, I went to the hospital almost every other day because of the contractions and not really knowing what was going on until finally they kept me because my water ended up breaking while I was leaving the hospital.

So the thing this time is: I am giving birth at the same hospital as #2. It is about 40 minutes away.

If my water breaks, I need to head to the hospital, right?

What if my water doesn't break but my contractions are consistent? Do I head to the hospital at this time?

I want to avoid going to early and being kept forever but again, I don't know what to expect. How long can I labor at home? There is a birthing center down the street in case of emergency (where I delivered #1) but they will only do a c-section so I want to avoid that. Sorry for the rambling but I am 35 weeks today and #2 came at 38 weeks which is coming up soon!