Pregnancy and Labor

Pregnancy and labor

Sometime after your fourth month of pregnancy, you may begin to experience Braxton-Hicks contractions, or false labor. They’re completely normal and serve to prepare your uterus for the job ahead of real labor.

Braxton-Hicks contractions don’t occur at regular intervals, and they don’t increase in intensity. If you experience regular contractions before week 37, it could be preterm labor. If this occurs, call your healthcare provider for help.

Early labor

Labor contractions are generally classified as early labor contractions and active labor contractions. Early labor contractions last between 30 and 45 seconds. They may be far apart at first, but by the end of early labor, contractions will be about five minutes apart.

Your water might break early during labor, or your doctor may break it for you later on during your labor. When the cervix begins to open, you’ll see a blood-tinged discharge coating your mucous plug.

Active labor

In active labor, the cervix dilates, and the contractions get closer together and become more intense.

If you’re in active labor, you should call your healthcare provider and head to your birth setting. If you’re unsure whether it’s active labor, it’s still a good idea to call and check in.

Labor pain

Pain will be at its height during active labor. Have a discussion with your doctor about your preferred method of dealing with pain.

You may choose drug-free measures such as meditation, yoga, or listening to music.

If you choose to manage your pain with drugs, your doctor will need to know whether to use analgesics or anesthetics.

Analgesics, such as meperidine (Demerol), dull the pain but allow you to retain some feeling. Anesthetics, such as an epidural, prevent certain muscle movement and completely block the pain.

The bottom line

Whether you’re planning for a vaginal or a cesarean delivery, you may feel nervous as your due date approaches. Know what to expect with this guide to the different stages of labor.