how long should contractions be apart?
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The contractions become more regular until they are less than 5 minutes apart. 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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The first stage is the longest part of labor and can last up to 20 hours. It begins when your cervix starts to open (dilate) and ends when it is completely open (fully dilated) at 10 centimeters. When the cervix dilates from 0 to 3 or 4 centimeters, contractions get stronger as time progresses.
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Braxton Hicks contractions are unpredictable. They may last less than 30 seconds or up to 2 minutes. True labor contractions last between 30 to less than 90 seconds and become longer over time.
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Early labor Uterine contractions: Are mild to moderate and last about 30 to 45 seconds. You can keep talking during these contractions. May be irregular, about 5 to 20 minutes apart, and may even stop for a while.
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Most physicians and midwives suggest contacting them when your contractions are five minutes apart and lasting 60 seconds and you have had this activity for about an hour.
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Your cervix will efface and dilate to 4 cm. Contractions will last about 30-45 seconds, giving you 5-30 minutes of rest between contractions. Contractions are typically mild and somewhat irregular but become progressively stronger and more frequent.
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You have strong and regular contractions. 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. They get stronger and closer together over time.
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Once contractions are less than 5 minutes apart consistently for one hour, that's when it's time to go to the hospital. If you're not sure about the timing of your contractions another sign it's time to go to the hospital are you have difficulty speaking during contractions.
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When the cervix dilates from 0 to 3 or 4 centimeters, contractions get stronger as time progresses. Mild contractions begin at 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds. The contractions become more regular until they are less than 5 minutes apart.
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For most first-time moms, early labor lasts about 6 to 12 hours. You can spend this time at home or wherever you're most comfortable. During early labor: You may feel mild contractions that come every 5 to 15 minutes and last 60 to 90 seconds.
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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 your amniotic membrane ruptures -- or your "water breaks" -- the contractions may get much stronger. When the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters (called the Transition Phase), contractions are 2 to 3 minutes apart and last about 1 minute.
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This part of labor (called the Latent Phase) is best experienced in the comfort of your home. When the cervix dilates from 4 to 8 centimeters (called the Active Phase), contractions get stronger and are about 3 minutes apart, lasting about 45 seconds.
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How long does it last? Postpartum contractions usually last for about seven to 10 days, and they're sporadic, unlike labor contractions. Pain-wise, they're usually strongest on the second and third days postpartum and can strike during breastfeeding or pumping.
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In active labor, the contractions are less than 5 minutes apart, lasting 45-60 seconds and the cervix is dilated three centimeters or more. In the event you are in early labor and sent home, it is common to feel disappointed, maybe even embarrassed.
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When should you call the doctor if you think you're in labor? If your contractions are mild to moderate and coming more than five minutes apart (and up to 20 minutes apart), you're likely in early labor. Contractions in this stage of labor can be regular or irregular and last 30 to 45 seconds each.
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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.