contraction timing before going to hospital

When you reach the end of the 1st stage of labour, you may feel an urge to push. It's often quicker (around 5 to 12 hours), in a 2nd or 3rd pregnancy. In a 1st pregnancy, the time from the start of established labour to being fully dilated is usually 8 to 18 hours. This is what's called being fully dilated. Your cervix needs to open about 10cm for your baby to pass through it. If you do not want to have these, you do not have to – your midwife can discuss with you why she's offering them. Your midwife will offer you regular vaginal examinations to see how your labour is progressing. You can either walk around or get into a position that feels comfortable to labour in. Once labour is established, your midwife will check on you from time to time to see how you're progressing and offer you support, including pain relief if you need it. If you go into hospital before your labour has become established, they may suggest you go home again for a while. your contractions are very strong and you feel you need pain relief.your contractions are regular (every 5 minutes) and at least 60 seconds.Established labour (1st stage of labour)Įstablished labour is where your cervix has dilated to about 4cm and your contractions are stronger and more regular. This helps your baby move down into your pelvis and helps your cervix to dilate.īreathing exercises, massage and having a warm bath or shower may help ease pain during this early stage of labour. If your labour starts during the day, stay upright and gently active. If your labour starts at night, try to stay comfortable and relaxed. There’s no set pattern to how many contractions you get or how long they last.ĭuring the latent stage, it's a good idea to have something to eat and drink because you'll need energy for when labour is established. It's usually the longest stage of labour.Īt this stage, your contractions may range from being slightly uncomfortable to more painful. You may begin to feel irregular contractions, but it can take many hours, or even days, before you're in established labour.

The latent stage of labour is where your cervix starts to soften and open (dilate) so your baby can be born.

Contraction timing before going to hospital