It helps your baby get into place for birth. The contractions might feel regular or come and go. This lets your cervix the opening to the womb open and soften. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG , early labor is the period of time when your cervix dilates up to 6 centimeters. As your birth canal opens the mucus plug to your cervix may pop out.
This is a completely normal part of birth. You might have a clear, pink, or even red glob or discharge in your underwear, or notice it when you wipe after using the toilet. Recent research has shown early labor is much longer and slower than previously believed. Early labor can last from hours to days. One study found that labor can take 9 hours to progress just from 4 to 6 centimeters, though it can vary widely from person to person.
Sometimes, early labor will start and then stop for a little while. Researchers of at least one large study believe that women who allow early labor to progress naturally without intervention may have less risk of cesarean delivery. Per ACOG, the clinical definition of the start of active labor is when your cervix has reached 6 centimeters in dilation. Write down when your contractions happen and how long they last. During active labor your cervix birth canal opens or dilates from 6 centimeters to 10 centimeters.
Your contractions might happen even faster if your water breaks. Stages of labour. Braxton Hicks contractions are contractions that occur before true or real labour. They are also known as 'practice contractions'. This is your uterus is 'practising' for the tightenings, or contractions, of labour. They often occur in the later part of pregnancy. These sensations are usually painless.
Braxton Hicks contractions are a normal part of pregnancy. It's only when they become painful or frequent that you need to contact your midwife or hospital. Phone your midwife or maternity unit before going to the hospital.
You'll be offered an induction if you do not because, without amniotic fluid, there's an increased risk of infection for your baby. Until your induction, or if you choose to wait for labour to start naturally, tell your midwife immediately if:. You should take your temperature every 4 hours when you're awake, and tell your midwife if it's raised. A raised temperature is usually above There's no evidence that having a bath or shower after your waters have broken increases your risk of infection, but having sex might.
Find out what happens during labour and birth , and what you can do for pain relief in the early stages of labour.
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Page last reviewed: 30 November Next review due: 30 November Signs that labour has begun. Know the signs There are several signs that labour might be starting, including: contractions or tightenings a "show", when the plug of mucus from your cervix entrance to your womb, or uterus comes away backache an urge to go to the toilet, which is caused by your baby's head pressing on your bowel your waters breaking The early latent stage of labour can take some time.
Urgent advice: Call your midwife or maternity unit if:. Important: Coronavirus COVID update If you're well, it's really important you go to all your appointments and scans for the health of you and your baby. Video: How will I know I am in labour?
How to Tell if You're in Labor. View Sources. Pregnancy Groups. Third Trimester. Jump to Your Week of Pregnancy. Pregnancy Week. Signs of Labor. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners.
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