how far apart should contractions be before you call the doctor?
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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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Takeaway. If your contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting for 1 minute, for 1 hour or longer, it's time to head to the hospital. (Another way to remember a general rule: If they're getting “longer, stronger, closer together,” baby's on their way!)
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Early labor These contractions are organized, coming at regular intervals of time. They may start out spaced far apart, but by the time you're nearing the end of early labor, they should be close to just five minutes apart. During early labor, you may also notice other signs that help you realize it's the real deal.
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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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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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How to know you're in early labor. You'll experience mild to moderate contractions that last 30 to 45 seconds, though they can be shorter, and might be regular or irregular. They may be spaced around 20 minutes apart and become progressively closer together, but not necessarily in a consistent pattern.
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The Second Stage of Labor (Delivery) 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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The likelihood is that your contractions will start within 24 hours to 48 hours of your waters breaking. So waiting for at least 24 hours before you're induced is probably what your midwife will advise.
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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 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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Real contractions vs. Become progressively more frequent, intense and generally (but not always) more regular. The contractions usually last about 30 to 70 seconds each — and although each one won't necessarily be more painful or longer than the last, the intensity builds up as labor progresses.
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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. This part of labor (called the Latent Phase) is best experienced in the comfort of your home.
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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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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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About prelabour contractions Start with regular contractions that are 10, 15 or 30 minutes apart, lasting for approximately 20 to 40 seconds. A regular pattern can start to emerge as the contractions become stronger, longer and closer together over time, until the early first stage of labour becomes recognisable. OR.
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Braxton Hicks vs. They usually last about 15 to 30 seconds (but sometimes as long as two minutes), and they should subside when you change positions. Real labor contractions are relatively regular and grow stronger, longer and closer together as you near labor.
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When to go to the Hospital. 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.