how far apart should contractions be at the start?
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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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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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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.
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Early labour (1−3 cm dilated) During this phase of labour you will begin to feel uterine contractions, they may still be mild and infrequent. At this time, your cervix is focusing on softening and shortening and begins to open slightly.
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Work out how far apart your contractions are – Subtract the start time of the previous contraction from the start time of your current contraction and you'll be able to work out how far apart they are.
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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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When should I go to the hospital or call my health care provider? Your contractions have been 5 minutes apart or less for at least 1 hour. If several contractions are so painful you cannot walk or talk during one. Your bag of waters breaks.
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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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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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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.
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If you are full term, or over 37 weeks, it's time to go to Labor and Delivery once your contractions are 4-5 minutes apart. You increase your chances of staying at the hospital if your contractions have been going on at that rate for at least two hours. Your water breaks: When this happens, it's not always obvious.
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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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Unless your doctor or midwife has given you specific instructions, you should head to the hospital or your chosen place of birth when your contractions are every three to five minutes and last for 45 seconds to 60 seconds each over the course of at least an hour if this is your first baby.
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Timing of contractions: 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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The time between contractions includes the length or duration of the contraction and the minutes in between the contractions (called the interval). Mild contractions generally begin 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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Real contractions vs. Become progressively more frequent, intense and generally (but not always) more regular. The contractions usually last about 30 to 70 seconds each — and although each one won't necessarily be more painful or longer than the last, the intensity builds up as labor progresses.
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Early labor Your cervix starts out three to four centimeters long. When it is 50 percent effaced, it is about two centimeters long. When it is 100 percent effaced, it is "paper-thin." Effacement can happen over days before labor starts.