how far apart should your contractions be before you head to the hospital?
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Active labor (the time you should come into the hospital) is usually characterized by strong contractions that last 45 to 60 seconds and occur three to four minutes apart.
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Contractions may feel different from the first stage of labor -- they will slow to 2 to 5 minutes apart and last from about 60 to 90 seconds. You will feel a strong urge to push with your contractions.
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If your contractions start but your waters have not broken, wait until the contractions are coming regularly, about 4-5 minutes apart and lasting for about 60 seconds and/or that they feel so strong that you want support from a midwife. If you live far away from hospital, make sure you leave plenty of time.
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If you have given birth before, call when the contractions are every 5-7 minutes apart, lasting 45-60 seconds. Labor is often more intense and faster with subsequent pregnancies and after you break your bag of water. In active labor, your contractions will be every 2-3 minutes apart.
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If you are full term, or over 37 weeks, it's time to go to Labor and Delivery once your contractions are 4-5 minutes apart. You increase your chances of staying at the hospital if your contractions have been going on at that rate for at least two hours. Your water breaks: When this happens, it's not always obvious.
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In late pregnancy, you may experience Braxton Hicks contractions more often — perhaps as much as every 10 to 20 minutes. This is a sign that you are preparing for labour — known as prelabour.
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Labor Restrictions It may be that you must be at a certain point in labor, like four (4) centimeters before an epidural can be given.
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If your contractions are occurring regularly — every 10 minutes or more than 6 per hour — you may be in labor and should call your doctor right away. Here are other signs that you are not just having Braxton Hicks contractions, and that it's time to grab your hospital bag: They're getting stronger as time goes on.
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In the last days before labor, you'll likely see increased and/or thickened vaginal discharge. This thickened, pinkish discharge is called bloody show and is a good indication that labor is imminent. But without contractions or dilation of 3 to 4 centimeters, labor could still be a few days away.
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This phase typically lasts from three to five hours and continues from the time your cervix is 3 cm until it is dilated to 7 cm. True labor produces signs you don't want to ignore. Your contractions will last about 45 seconds to a minute and allow you only three to five minutes in between.
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After your water breaks, contractions usually follow within 12 to 24 hours, if they're not underway already. However, in some cases, women have their water break before their bodies are ready to start the labour process.
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Because they're spaced only about two or three minutes apart, it may seem as though you barely get to relax before the next contraction begins. During transition, unless you're numbed by an epidural or other pain relief, you may feel: Strong pressure in the lower back and/or perineum.
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Contractions are the most common first sign of labor. Just before you go into labor, your cervix, the lower part of your uterus, will soften, thin out, and shorten. You may feel a little discomfort, maybe even a few light, irregular contractions.
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As a general rule, you know you are ready to go to the hospital when your contractions are 4 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for at least 1 hour. Get personalized updates on your baby's development and expert tips just for you. Thanks for subscribing! Keep an eye on your inbox to see what your baby is up to this week.
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Contractions help push your baby out. When you're in true labor, your contractions last about 30 to 70 seconds and come about 5 to 10 minutes apart. They're so strong that you can't walk or talk during them.
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When do I come into hospital? Many women come into hospital very early in labour. This is not necessary and may increase the likelihood of your labour being considered slow. For most women we recommend waiting until the contractions are in a regular pattern coming every five minutes and lasting for a whole minute.
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When you're in true labor, your contractions last about 30 to 70 seconds and come about 5 to 10 minutes apart. They're so strong that you can't walk or talk during them. They get stronger and closer together over time. You feel pain in your belly and lower back.