HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

FREQUENCY OF CONTRACTIONS

LENGTH OF TIME

45-60 seconds

Active Phase

2-4 minutes

Can last 4 to 6 hours (average)

Contractions range from 2 to 4 minutes apart and last 45 to 60 seconds.

YOUR EMOTIONS/REACTIONS

PHYSICAL CHANGES

• Contractions getting stronger and closer together • Longer peaks in contractions and increasingly uncomfortable

• Not feeling social; concentrating on the work of labor • More serious, less talkative, focused on relaxation techniques • Not completely attentive or fully aware of everything going on • May have a hard time understanding words during contractions • Want and need companionship from labor partner

• Feeling pressure or tightening in pubic area • May experience dry mouth and perspiration • May become more focused, harder to rest or relax • May have some nausea and vomiting • May appear pale or flushed

What to Expect

52 Your Guide to Labor and Birth