HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

How do I time my contractions?

You’ll need a watch or clock with a second hand and a notepad to write down the frequency and duration of your contractions.

LABOR AND BIRTH

How to time contractions • Frequency = How far apart your contractions are. Time from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next one.

• Duration = How long each contraction lasts. Time from the start of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.

FREQUENCY DURATION

PEAK

DATE

BEGIN

END

DURATION

FREQUENCY

INTENSITY

8/1

12:00

12:01

1 MIN.

5 MIN.

MODERATE

What things can affect my labor?

There are many factors that can affect how long your labor lasts, including:

• Position of the baby’s head • Your baby’s size • Baby’s position at birth ( presentation ) • Size and shape of your pelvis • Your physical and emotional state • How well contractions have dilated the cervix • Your labor partner and their level of support • Medications or anesthesia you’ve received

Chapter 4: Labor and Birth

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