how long can contractions last before labour?
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Early labor will last approximately 8-12 hours. Your cervix will efface and dilate to 4 cm. Contractions will last about 30-45 seconds, giving you 5-30 minutes of rest between contractions. Contractions are typically mild and somewhat irregular but become progressively stronger and more frequent.
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Early labor These contractions are organized, coming at regular intervals of time. They may start out spaced far apart, but by the time you're nearing the end of early labor, they should be close to just five minutes apart. During early labor, you may also notice other signs that help you realize it's the real deal.
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These mild contractions generally don't cause actual pain, but feel more like a hardening or tightening of the uterus. Braxton Hicks usually last for 30 seconds to 2 minutes and begin in the second trimester, around 20 weeks. However, they may come earlier (and be more intense) if you've been pregnant before.
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In active labor, the contractions are less than 5 minutes apart, lasting 45-60 seconds and the cervix is dilated three centimeters or more. In the event you are in early labor and sent home, it is common to feel disappointed, maybe even embarrassed.
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Active labor (the time you should come into the hospital) is usually characterized by strong contractions that last 45 to 60 seconds and occur three to four minutes apart. SOURCE: American Pregnancy Association.
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Loose bowel movements can happen 24–48 hours before labor. Nesting is a spurt of energy some women may experience before labor begins. You may want to clean the house, wash clothing, or shop for groceries. Vaginal secretions may increase to lubricate the birth canal before delivery.
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Call your midwife for guidance when your contractions are in a regular pattern and: last at least 60 seconds.
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Effacement can happen over days before labor starts. Or, it can happen over hours as labor progresses. With a first labor, it can take quite a while for the cervix to completely efface. Labor may start slowly because the cervix first thins and then dilates.
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After your water breaks, contractions usually follow within 12 to 24 hours, if they're not underway already. However, in some cases, women have their water break before their bodies are ready to start the labour process.
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False labor: contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together. True labor: contractions come at regular intervals and get closer together as time goes on. (Contractions last about 30 to 70 seconds.).
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Contractions help push your baby out. When you're in true labor, your contractions last about 30 to 70 seconds and come about 5 to 10 minutes apart. They're so strong that you can't walk or talk during them. They get stronger and closer together over time.
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If your contractions start but your waters have not broken, wait until the contractions are coming regularly, about 4-5 minutes apart and lasting for about 60 seconds and/or that they feel so strong that you want support from a midwife. If you live far away from hospital, make sure you leave plenty of time.
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The likelihood is that your contractions will start within 24 hours to 48 hours of your waters breaking. So waiting for at least 24 hours before you're induced is probably what your midwife will advise.
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If your contractions are mild to moderate and coming more than five minutes apart (and up to 20 minutes apart), you're likely in early labor. Contractions in this stage of labor can be regular or irregular and last 30 to 45 seconds each. Early labor can last several hours or even several days.
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In general, contractions can be mild and somewhat irregular, coming from 5 to 30 minutes apart, lasting 30 to 45 seconds. You might see some pinkish discharge and feel a bit of abdominal discomfort.
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When the cervix dilates from 0 to 3 or 4 centimeters, contractions get stronger as time progresses. Mild contractions begin at 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds. The contractions become more regular until they are less than 5 minutes apart.
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When should you call the doctor if you think you're in labor? If your contractions are mild to moderate and coming more than five minutes apart (and up to 20 minutes apart), you're likely in early labor. Contractions in this stage of labor can be regular or irregular and last 30 to 45 seconds each.