More about contractions. Sometimes women start to have contractions and then they fade away. These can be deceptive, and make you think you are in labour. You go to hospital, only to find everything stops. If this happens to you, you may be examined and disappointed that you aren't very far on in your labour. This is sensible unless you live a long way from the hospital. Don't feel embarrassed, or worry. This sort of false alarm happens all the time.
More about Braxton Hicks contractions. They'll tell you what to do next. Sometimes your body needs to warm up and prepare for labour. Your midwife will guide you through this stage by helping you through your contractions and encouraging you to find the best position. Translations and alternative formats of this information are available from Public Health Scotland. Ready Steady Baby!
Early signs of labour. Labour may be starting if: you have a show your waters break you start to have contractions. When you first feel contractions, time them. Write down how much time it takes from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Make a note of how strong the contractions feel. Keep a record of your contractions for 1 hour. Walk or move around to see if the contractions stop when you change positions.
Preterm labor is labor that begins too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy can have health problems at birth and later in life. Getting help quickly is the best thing you can do. Learn about risk factors for preterm labor and what you can do to help reduce your risk.
Stages of labor include the whole process of labor, from your first contractions stage 1 to pushing stage 2 to delivery of the placenta stage 3 after your baby is born.
Learning about the stages of labor can help you know what to expect during labor and birth. Create a Facebook fundraiser to let friends and family know you're donating your birthday so more babies can have theirs. Get our emails with pregnancy tips, ways to take action and stories that inspire.
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A show indicates the cervix is starting to open, and labour may follow quickly, or it may take a few days. Some women do not have a show. Most women's waters break during labour, but it can also happen before labour starts. Your unborn baby develops and grows inside a bag of fluid called the amniotic sac. When it's time for your baby to be born, the sac breaks and the amniotic fluid drains out through your vagina. This is your waters breaking.
When this happens, call your midwife or doctor, so they can ask you some questions and check your condition. You may feel a slow trickle, or a sudden gush of water that you cannot control. To prepare for this, you could keep a sanitary towel but not a tampon handy if you are going out, and put a plastic sheet on your bed.
Amniotic fluid is clear and a pale straw colour. Sometimes it's difficult to tell amniotic fluid from urine. When your waters break, the water should be clear or slightly pink. If it appears greenish or bloody, see a doctor or your hospital immediately, as this could mean you and your baby need urgent attention.
If your waters break before labour starts, phone your midwife or the hospital for advice. Without amniotic fluid your baby is no longer protected and there is a risk of infection. The cervix needs to open about 10cm for a baby to pass through. This is called 'fully dilated'.
Contractions at the start of labour help to soften the cervix so that it gradually opens. Sometimes the process of softening can take many hours before you're in what midwives call 'established labour'. Established labour is when your cervix has dilated to more than 3cm. If you go into hospital or your birth centre before labour is established, you may be asked if you'd prefer to go home again for a while rather than spending many extra hours in hospital or the birth centre.
If you go home, you should make sure you eat and drink, as you'll need the energy. At night, try to get comfortable and relaxed. If you can, try to sleep. A warm bath or shower may help you to relax. During the day, keep upright and gently active. This helps the baby to move down into the pelvis and helps the cervix to dilate. Once labour is established, the midwife will check you from time to time to see how you are progressing.
In a first labour, the time from the start of established labour to full dilation is usually between 6 and 12 hours about 8 hours on average. It is often quicker for subsequent pregnancies. Your midwife will tell you to try not to push until your cervix is fully open and the baby's head can be seen. To help you get over the urge to push, try blowing out slowly and gently or, if the urge is too strong, in little puffs. Some people find this easier lying on their side, or on their knees and elbows, to reduce the pressure of the baby's head on the cervix.
Your baby's heart rate will be monitored throughout labour. Your midwife will watch for any marked change in the rate, which could be a sign that the baby is distressed and that something needs to be done. Read more on how your baby's heart will be monitored during labour.
Your labour may be slower than expected if your contractions are not frequent or strong enough or because your baby is in an awkward position.
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