What to Expect During Labor and Birth: A Step-by-Step Guide
Early labor is the longest part of most labors. Here your body will continue to open and thin your cervix in a process called dilation and effacement. This is done with contractions. Though the contractions you experience in early labor may be very spaced out, even to the point of you only having a few contractions an hour.
During this part of labor you are typically most comfortable at home. You can alternate periods of rest with activity. You may continue to see parts of or your whole mucous plug and perhaps even a bit of bloody show.
Your contractions probably last 45 seconds or fewer at this point in labor. They can range in time from 20 minutes apart to about 5 minutes apart. Don't forget that when timing contractions, the time apart is from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction. Most mothers do not need a lot of relaxation or comfort measures in this stage of labor. You may find that you spend a few seconds at the peak of each contraction stopping what you're doing but generally you are able to talk through them.
Consider using this time in early labor to make your final preparations for the birth of your baby. Some women finishing packing their labor bag or throw last minutes snacks into a bag for their partner. You might arrange any child or pet care as needed. Some moms even make brownies or bake a cake for the impending birthday celebration.
During this part of labor you are typically most comfortable at home. You can alternate periods of rest with activity. You may continue to see parts of or your whole mucous plug and perhaps even a bit of bloody show.
Your contractions probably last 45 seconds or fewer at this point in labor. They can range in time from 20 minutes apart to about 5 minutes apart. Don't forget that when timing contractions, the time apart is from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction. Most mothers do not need a lot of relaxation or comfort measures in this stage of labor. You may find that you spend a few seconds at the peak of each contraction stopping what you're doing but generally you are able to talk through them.
Consider using this time in early labor to make your final preparations for the birth of your baby. Some women finishing packing their labor bag or throw last minutes snacks into a bag for their partner. You might arrange any child or pet care as needed. Some moms even make brownies or bake a cake for the impending birthday celebration.
