Labor Pains and Contractions

What was that!

A pain most women can't explain! But the anticipation of meeting and holding your precious baby for the first time outweighs the labor experience. A newfound love, an adorable human being, a love that is undeniable, and a bundle of joy that depends on you for their every need!

Signs that labor is near

• A bloody show: It can be clear, pink or blood tinged and can appear minutes, hours or even days before labor begins
• Your water breaks: One in ten woman experience a dramatic gush of the amniotic fluid and even then it usually happens at home
• Lightening: You can breathe again! This is an indication that the baby has dropped, settling deeper into your pelvis and relieving some of the pressure on your diaphragm, so you are not so short of breath
• A spurt of energy: Your energy level is at it's highest. You are in the mood to clean everything in sight
• Dilation: Opening of the cervix. Usually in the last month your cervix begins to stretch and thin. Your physician will measure this process during your last most of doctor visits
• Braxton Hicks contractions: You may experience these contractions during the last two months. Your physician will be able to diagnose the difference between the real contractions

Three Stages of Labor

• The first stage begins when you start having contractions that cause progressive changes in your cervix and ends when your cervix is fully dilated.
• The second stage of labor is called the "pushing" stage you're fully dilated and ends with the birth of your baby.
• The third stage begins right after the birth of your baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta.

Labor and Contractions

Labor begins when your uterus (womb) begins to contract. When you begin to experience regular uterine contractions, this is the strongest indication that you are in labor. This is a good time to record the exact time each one begins and how long they last. Contractions increase in frequency and intensity throughout the labor process. Over the course of several hours your contractions will typically begin occurring at shorter intervals. When your contractions are consistently 5 minutes apart, it is time to call your health care provider.

What you can do to help get through each phase of labor

There are many ways to make labor and delivery more comfortable, including:

• Breathing exercise. Ask your physician about attending a child birth education class. In these classes you will be taught how to breath during each contraction
• Relaxation techniques. Yoga, acupuncture, and changing your position frequently during labor are all relaxation techniques
• Pain relieving drugs. Examples are epidural blocks, spinal blocks, narcotics (analgesic)

Every labor and delivery is unique with each individual. Try and embrace this moment with the knowledge and guidance you have prepared for during your pregnancy.