![]() Tell your health care provider if you feel the urge to push. You'll experience pressure in your lower back and rectum. Contractions will come close together and can last 60 to 90 seconds. The last part of active labor - often referred to as transition - can be particularly intense and painful. If your health care provider thinks you might need a C-section, he or she might recommend small amounts of clear liquids, such as water, ice chips, popsicles and juice, instead of solid foods. If you need to have a Cesarean delivery (C-section), having food in your stomach can lead to complications. Have a gentle massage between contractions. ![]() Take a walk, stopping to breathe through contractions.Roll on a large rubber ball (birthing ball).Unless you need to be in a specific position to allow for close monitoring of you and your baby, consider these ways to promote comfort during active labor: Use what you learned in childbirth class or ask your health care team for suggestions. Try breathing and relaxation techniques to relieve your discomfort. What you can do: Look to your labor partner and health care team for encouragement and support. On average, your cervix will dilate at approximately 1 cm an hour. How long it lasts: Active labor often lasts 4 to 8 hours or more. Remember, you're the only one who can judge your need for pain relief. Your health care team will partner with you to make the best choice for you and your baby. Ask for pain medication or anesthesia if you want it. If you haven't headed to your labor and delivery facility yet, now's the time.ĭon't be surprised if your initial excitement wanes as labor progresses and your discomfort intensifies. You might feel your water break - if it hasn't already - and experience increasing pressure in your back. Your legs might cramp, and you might feel nauseated. Your contractions will become stronger, closer together and regular. Active laborĭuring active labor, your cervix will dilate from 6 centimeters (cm) to 10 cm. If your water breaks or you experience significant vaginal bleeding, call your health care provider right away. Your health care provider will instruct you on when to leave for the hospital or birthing center. If you're having an uncomplicated pregnancy, you may spend most of your early labor at home until your contractions start to increase in frequency and intensity. Try breathing or relaxation techniques taught in childbirth class.What you can do: For many women, early labor isn't particularly uncomfortable, but contractions may be more intense for some. It's often shorter for subsequent deliveries. For first-time moms, the average length varies from hours to days. How long it lasts: Early labor is unpredictable. ![]() This is likely the mucus plug that blocks the cervical opening during pregnancy. ![]() You'll likely feel mild, irregular contractions.Īs your cervix begins to open, you might notice a clear pink or slightly bloody discharge from your vagina. Early laborĭuring early labor, your cervix dilates and effaces. It's actually divided into two phases - early labor and active labor. The first stage is the longest of the three stages. ![]()
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