Transition: During the last part of active labor, contractions are even longer, stronger, and closer together — this can be the most difficult part of your entire labor. Sources BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Featured video. Cervical dilation and effacement.
Losing your mucus plug. Signs of labor. Natural ways to induce labor. How to push during labor: Should your body be your guide? When is my baby likely to drop? What does labor feel like? Moms describe. New to BabyCenter? Join now. Password Forgot your password?
Keep me logged in. Log in. Parenthood Pregnancy Braxton-Hicks Contractions vs. Real Contractions. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. What are Braxton-Hicks contractions? What are real labor contractions? Real contractions that begin before the 37th week can be classified as premature labor.
You may experience fluid leaking from your vagina. How can you tell the difference? As early as the second trimester, but more often in the third trimester After your 37th week of pregnancy if they come earlier, this can be a sign of preterm labor How often do they come? From time to time, in no regular pattern At regular intervals, getting closer and closer together in time How long do they last?
From less than 30 seconds to 2 minutes From 30 to 70 seconds How do they feel? Like a tightening or squeezing, but not usually painful Like a tightening or cramping that comes in waves, starting in the back and moving to the front, getting more intense and painful over time.
It can be hard to distinguish Braxton Hicks contractions , also known as false contractions, from the real thing. But if your contractions gradually become stronger, last longer, and are getting closer together, chances are that labor has begun. Even if you're in true labor, it may take a while before you're sure, so in the early stages of labor, you're better off at home where you'll be more comfortable.
After all, a first-time mom can expect to be in labor for 12 to 14 hours, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. When it does come time to check in to the hospital or birthing center, keep in mind that things don't always or more accurately, don't usually go exactly as planned.
You may not be able to get the epidural you wanted, or you may end up needing a cesarean. Keeping in mind that the stages of labor are different for every woman, and for each of her pregnancies, here's what you might expect.
Your physician will likely have told you when to call her or go to the hospital, but it's typically when contractions happen at regular intervals, such as every 8 or 10 minutes, and get closer together. Other indications that you're in labor include the "rupture of membranes" when your water breaks , losing the mucus plug , and passing bloody discharge called "bloody show. This first stage of labor can be further broken down into different phases: the early or latent phase, the active phase, and the transition phase.
The early phase of labor is sometimes lightheartedly called "the entertainment phase," because it's often helpful to focus your mind on other things so that you can pass the time without worrying about what's coming.
As long as contractions are still relatively mild and spaced farther than five or so minutes apart, most women spend the time at home, and maintain close contact with their practitioner. In general, contractions can be mild and somewhat irregular, coming from 5 to 30 minutes apart, lasting 30 to 45 seconds. You might see some pinkish discharge and feel a bit of abdominal discomfort. The water may break rupture of membranes in this early phase, or this may happen later in the first or second stage, either on its own or with help from your practitioner.
How Long It Lasts : This first step in the journey toward childbirth lasts an average of 6 to 10 hours for a first-time mother, but can be much shorter 2 to 5 hours if you've given birth before. Contractions : During this phase, contractions usually last between 30 and 60 seconds; they generally start 20 minutes apart and move to about 5 minutes apart. Look for contractions that continue even if you move around, that get stronger, and that start in your back and move around to the front.
What to Do : Anything that helps you relax, says Cooter. This phase is when the serious prep work for childbirth begins, and when most women begin to labor more intensely. During the active phase, contractions usually come steadily, gradually increasing in intensity and frequency, from three to five minutes apart.
Pains may be centered in the lower back, abdomen, or thighs, and they may be intense enough to make it hard for you to talk. When a woman travels to the hospital or birth center, an app is usually the easiest way to time the contractions.
Sometimes, contractions slow during the trip to the hospital or when a woman first arrives. Once the woman arrives at the hospital, a doctor or midwife may suggest a few minutes of fetal monitoring to time contractions.
In some situations, they may recommend ongoing fetal monitoring. Those who decline or do not need such monitoring can continue tracking their contractions if they wish. However, a healthcare provider may be more interested in other information, such as whether the woman feels the urge to push. Most healthcare providers will recommend a cervical dilation check to see how close a woman is to full dilation.
People can do this by double-checking the hospital bag to ensure that it is ready to go. Some women like to eat a nourishing meal or smoothie early in labor to maintain their energy. However, other women lose their appetite.
Every labor is different. What works for one woman might not work for another, and what worked an hour ago might not work now. It may be necessary to experiment with different management strategies.
Some tips for managing labor at home include :. Labor itself is not a medical emergency unless a woman has a serious underlying condition or goes into premature labor.
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