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As the birth of your baby gets closer and closer, more questions might be arising around labor and birth. Here’s how to understand your body’s signals that your baby is on the way and know when to go to the hospital.
What is labor?
Labor is your body’s process of moving the baby from your uterus to birth. Labor has four phases:
- Early labor: the first contractions which are typically inconsistent in strength and timing.
- First phase: contractions are stronger and closer together, causing the cervix to dilate (open).
- Second stage: full cervical dilation to delivery of the baby with pushing.
- Third stage: delivery of the placenta.
What are contractions?
Labor contractions are the tightening of the uterine muscle. They become frequent, stronger and regular as labor progresses.
Contractions may feel like cramping or pressure in the uterus. Place your hands on your abdomen and feel for a tightening and relaxing. This sensation can be felt over the entire abdomen.
You are having a contraction if your uterus stays tight for about 30-90 seconds and then relaxes, and then the process repeats.
What is “false” labor?
“False” contractions can occur throughout your whole pregnancy. These are called Braxton-Hicks contractions. They differ from “true” contractions because they don’t become more intense over time or come in a rhythmic or regular pattern. They sometimes go away if you change positions. They are often noticeable but not overly painful. They are often called “practice contractions” as they help prepare your body for labor and birth.
To count your contractions, keep track of how long one lasts from the moment it starts until the moment it subsides. This is called the “duration.” Then measure the time between the contractions, from the start of one contraction to the start of the next one. This is the “frequency.”
What do I do during early labor?
Early labor is best managed at home. You can be more comfortable, eat what you enjoy, and be with loved ones. Laboring at home increases your oxytocin, a hormone that allows labor to progress and the cervix to open.
Here are the signs of early labor:
- Your contractions are mild to moderate in intensity. You can talk through them.
- Contractions last 30 to 45 seconds.
- Contractions are often irregular, 5 to 20 minutes apart, and may stop for a while.
Early labor can be a long, uncomfortable phase. You can try walking, watching TV, listening to music, or taking a warm shower or bath to help through this time.
What can I do when I’m uncomfortable in early labor?
Because early labor can last a while and can be uncomfortable, techniques to help you manage the discomfort can be helpful. Trying different positions may help to ease some of your discomfort. You can try:
- Rocking
- Squatting with your partner
- Squatting by yourself
- Leaning forward (on a bed or countertop for example)
- Kneeling with a birthing ball
- Getting on your hands and knees
- Semi-sitting with your partner
- Lying on your side
- Taking a shower or bath
When is it time to go to the hospital?
Your contractions are now uncomfortable. You can’t talk through them.
If this is your first baby:
- Your contractions occur every 3 to 5 minutes for at least one hour
- Contractions last at least 45 to 60 seconds and become much stronger
- Your water breaks
For second or later births:
- Your contractions occur every 5 to 7 minutes for at least one hour
- Contractions last at least 45 to 60 seconds
- Your water breaks
If you are unsure where you are in your labor, try calling the Kaiser Permanente Advice Call Center for your region.
Planning ahead
Consider adding these contacts to your phone or making them easily visible to you and your family:
- Kaiser Permanente Advice Call Center
- Your birthing/delivery center or hospital
- Your physician’s name and office number