The primary sign of labor is a series of contractions tightening and relaxing of the uterus that arrive regularly. Over time, they become stronger, last longer, and are more frequent. Some women may experience false labor , when contractions are weak or irregular or stop when the woman changes positions.
Women who have regular contractions every 5 to 10 minutes for an hour should let their health care provider know. It is important to discuss labor and signs of labor with a health care provider early in pregnancy, before labor begins.
Some providers may want a woman to wait until she has multiple signs of labor or is in "active" labor before coming to the hospital or birthing center. Labor contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy are a sign of preterm labor. Women who notice regular, frequent contractions at any point in pregnancy should notify a provider or go to the hospital. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.
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By Mayo Clinic Staff. Open pop-up dialog box Cervical effacement and dilation Close. Cervical effacement and dilation During the first stage of labor, the cervix opens dilates and thins out effaces to allow the baby to move into the birth canal.
Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Funai EF, et al. Management of normal labor and delivery. Accessed June 16, Simkin P, et al. Nonpharmacological approaches to management of labor pain.
Satin AJ. Latent phase of labor. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Labor and delivery. Washington, D. Gabbe SG, et al. Normal labor and delivery. In: Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. Philadelphia, Pa. Younger Meek J, et al. The first feedings. In: New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding.
New York, N. Other more intense symptoms. As your labor progresses, so will your symptoms, though labor pain medication like an epidural should help to relieve some of them. You may have increasingly strong back pain, leg discomfort or heaviness, fatigue, and bloody show. Your membranes might be ruptured artificially now, although the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG suggests that it may not be necessary in women with low-risk pregnancies who are progressing normally through labor.
As your labor efforts intensify, it may be trickier to relax. Your practitioner will likely encourage you to get to the hospital or birthing center when active labor starts, or when your contractions are about five minutes apart. A nurse will ask you a few questions about your pregnancy and labor so far, give you routine consent forms to sign, and do an internal exam. Ask for help, if you need it. As long as everything is progressing safely, the hospital staff will leave you alone with your coach for now or stay out of your way but in your room.
Don't hesitate to ask your coach for whatever you need to stay as comfortable as possible, whether it's a back rub, ice chips to munch on or a cool washcloth for your forehead.
Breathe and try to relax. If you're planning on using breathing exercises, start as soon as the contractions become too strong to talk through. Ask the nurse or doula for suggestions. Do whatever makes you feel more comfortable and if something isn't working, stop. Drink and eat, as recommended. You might be offered light, clear beverages or ice chips to replace fluid and keep your mouth moist. Request an epidural, if you want one. An epidural can be given as soon as you feel you need it and you'll probably want to ask for it before things get too intense since the procedure takes some time and it can take about 30 minutes after it's inserted before it starts to work.
Your practitioner may suggest other tactics to ease your discomfort first, like sitting in water before you start pushing, getting a massage, or changing positions.
If you do want an epidural, your anesthesiologist will get an IV going. Be prepared for other interventions as necessary. ACOG guidelines call for fewer or delayed labor interventions in low-risk women who are progressing normally through labor.
Use the toilet periodically. Continue to urinate regularly: A full bladder can slow down your progress. During the third and final phase of labor, called transitional labor, your cervix will dilate to 10 centimeters as you experience strong contractions about every two to three minutes, though it can vary. Very strong and painful contractions. Because they're spaced only about two or three minutes apart, it may seem like you barely get to relax before the next contraction begins.
Full dilation. Your cervix will dilate from about 7 to 8 centimeters up to the final 10 centimeters — when it will be time to deliver your baby. Bloody show will increase, as capillaries in the cervix rupture. Pressure in your back and abdomen. General discomfort. You may feel sweaty, chilled, shaky or achy. One or both legs may be completely numb if you've had an epidural. And you may have other forms of discomfort too, though you may not experience any of these symptoms. Fatigue and drowsiness.
Unlike transvaginal cervix checks, though, more research is needed before telomere testing can be put into practice. By Tina Donvito December 16, Save Pin FB More. Credit: Shutterstock. By Tina Donvito. Be the first to comment! No comments yet.
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