Hi Roudysmum
With prelabour your contractions are not usually regular. When you are in labour your contractions will come regularly Say every 15 mins. They will also last for between 30 and 60 seconds. If you can not talk through a contraction then yes it is time to go to hospital. Another guide as to when to go to the hospital is when you no longer feel comfortable at home. One other tip is to have the phone number of the hospital handy and if your are not sure what is happening or what to do you can give them a ring and ask for advice.