You should be in the hospital or birth center by now or on the way there. Often this phase lasts up to six hours, although it can be a lot shorter. As labor progresses, the contractions get longer and stronger. This phase typically lasts up to 12 hours, although it's usually shorter for second and subsequent babies. The first stage really consists of three phases: Every woman's experience is different, but it's helpful to understand the three distinct stages of labor: The first stage of labor
The class is free and you can watch it as many times as you'd like to prep for the big day.ĭon't expect labor to be over in just a few hours. Watch videos of births, hear other peoples' real-life birth stories, and get guidance on making a birth plan. If you can't get to an in-person class, Bab圜enter's online birth class walks you through the whole process as your schedule allows. And go to a childbirth class with an open mind – you'll get solid information, as well as a sense of how other partners are planning to get through the event. Sitting in the hospital in the thick of labor is not the right time to be flipping through a pregnancy book or notes from childbirth class, so finish your reading beforehand. Some situations call for getting to the hospital sooner or later, so talk to your healthcare provider ahead of time about what's right for you. As a general rule, if the contractions are five minutes apart or less, last more than 30 seconds, and continue in that pattern for an hour, it's time to go the hospital. Your doctor or midwife can help you make the decision over the phone about when to come in. If your partner is having regular and painful contractions that last 30 seconds or longer, she's probably in early labor. This isn't the time for finishing up last-minute projects or doing household chores.
Don't get too bogged down with obsessively timing the contractions, however, because it can make the labor seem longer than it is.īe available to help your partner do whatever she wants to stay relaxed at this point, such as watching her favorite TV show, going for a walk, showering, or even taking a nap. Count the frequency of contractions in minutes. Free contraction-timer apps can track things for you.Ĭontractions are timed in seconds from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. You may want to time the contractions periodically to get a sense for how things are progressing, but you don't need to do so continuously. And many hospitals won't admit a woman in labor until her contractions are regular, painful, and coming every three to five minutes and the cervix is starting to dilate. Indeed, it's usually more comfortable to spend the early stages of labor at home. Unlike in the movies, most women labor for hours before they even go to the hospital. Help time contractions – and be ready to wait But at the very least, it indicates that things are starting to move along. This isn't always a sign that labor is imminent – it could still be several days away.
If not, labor is often induced to minimize the risk of infection. When the amniotic sac (also called the bag of waters) breaks, many women spontaneously go into labor shortly after.
Look for these signs, among others, that your partner is experiencing real contractions: Some women describe them as a belly-tightening sensation that comes and goes. Late in pregnancy, many women have false contractions that may feel like labor, but unlike the real deal, these Braxton Hicks contractions typically aren't painful.
Here, some tips for what to expect and how to offer support during labor: Know how to recognize the signs of labor And though you may find it hard to watch her in pain, you'll likely discover that childbirth can be one of life's most powerful and rewarding moments. Your partner is going to be looking to you for comfort, strength, and encouragement during the entire labor and delivery process.
(Plus, research shows that women who have support during childbirth are more likely to have positive outcomes, including shorter labor times and decreased medical intervention.) And even if you and your partner have decided to hire a doula (a trained labor coach) to be there for the delivery, it's still a good idea to be ready for what to expect during labor. Supporting a woman in labor is an incredibly exciting and important role.