Calypso
01-14-2004, 12:33 AM
The following are some things women may experience during labor. Please keep in mind that everyone is different, so what you experience might not be the same as anyone else.
http://www.childbirthclass.com/stages.htm
Early Labor:
A. The Cervix dilates between 0-4 cm.
B. Contractions start farther apart 5-20 minutes apart.
C. Contractions are short only lasting 30-60 seconds long.
D. Contractions radiate from back to front.
E. Mother should stay at home or somewhere she feels comfortable.
F. She will be excited, talkative, having spurts of energy.
G. Her bag of water or amniotic sac is usually intact.
H. Primary effacing phase.
I. Early labor is on average half of labor time- 2 to 20 hours.
Active Labor:
A. Dilation 4-7 cm is completed.
B. Contractions closer together 3-5 minutes apart.
C. Contractions are lasting longer 60-90 seconds.
D. Mom becomes more serious, quiet, apprehensive.
E. Mother will proceed to her birthing facility.
F. A bloody show may occur with cervical dilation or a vaginal exam (Remember a bloody show is normal. A large amount of bleeding is not).
Transition:
The word transition means a period of change. Transition in labor means the change in the uterus from opening up the cervix to pushing out the baby. The cervix is dilating from 7-10 cm These contractions are very intense. Transition is the hardest part of labor but also the shortest. Most of the time it lasts between 10 minutes to one hour.
A. Dilation 7-10 cm is completed.
B. Contractions are close together 1-3 minute.
C. Contraction are lasting 90-120 seconds.. Possible multiple peaks.
D. Mother is tired and Irritable.
E. Mother may cry and lose control at this time.
F. Feeling a lot of rectal pressure
G. She may panic or feel disoriented.
I. Nausea and vomiting may occur.
J. Uncontrollable trembling of the legs.
K. Hot/Cold flashes.
http://www.childbirthclass.com/stages.htm
Early Labor:
A. The Cervix dilates between 0-4 cm.
B. Contractions start farther apart 5-20 minutes apart.
C. Contractions are short only lasting 30-60 seconds long.
D. Contractions radiate from back to front.
E. Mother should stay at home or somewhere she feels comfortable.
F. She will be excited, talkative, having spurts of energy.
G. Her bag of water or amniotic sac is usually intact.
H. Primary effacing phase.
I. Early labor is on average half of labor time- 2 to 20 hours.
Active Labor:
A. Dilation 4-7 cm is completed.
B. Contractions closer together 3-5 minutes apart.
C. Contractions are lasting longer 60-90 seconds.
D. Mom becomes more serious, quiet, apprehensive.
E. Mother will proceed to her birthing facility.
F. A bloody show may occur with cervical dilation or a vaginal exam (Remember a bloody show is normal. A large amount of bleeding is not).
Transition:
The word transition means a period of change. Transition in labor means the change in the uterus from opening up the cervix to pushing out the baby. The cervix is dilating from 7-10 cm These contractions are very intense. Transition is the hardest part of labor but also the shortest. Most of the time it lasts between 10 minutes to one hour.
A. Dilation 7-10 cm is completed.
B. Contractions are close together 1-3 minute.
C. Contraction are lasting 90-120 seconds.. Possible multiple peaks.
D. Mother is tired and Irritable.
E. Mother may cry and lose control at this time.
F. Feeling a lot of rectal pressure
G. She may panic or feel disoriented.
I. Nausea and vomiting may occur.
J. Uncontrollable trembling of the legs.
K. Hot/Cold flashes.