1st pregnancy - Waited at home until my waters broke (at 1030 at night...had been having contractions in 300 that morning), at which point contractions were 2 minutes apart. However, I was only 4cm and was at hosp for another 11 hours before DD was born. I dilated very slowly.

2nd pregnancy - I would wait the same but Dr has asked me t come in when contractions are 5-6 minutes so they can take a blood test for my platelet count and get an IV line in (just the line, not connected to anything) just in case of another large PPH.

Apparently 1st labours are longer and 2nd's are shorter but you'll def find that this is NOT always the case.

If you can't talk through the contractions - if the pain is that intense - it's probably a good time to go in. Or stay at home and get comfy for a homebirth

:-D

You *will* be able to tell when you need to go...even though everyone handles the pain differently, the mummy instinct will shine through.