Watson Clinic - Your Guide to Labor and Birth

F R E Q U E N C Y O F CO N T R AC T I O N S

L E N G T H O F T I M E

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.

P H Y S I C A L C H A N G E S

YO U R E M O T I O N S / R E AC T I O N S

• 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