how close should your contractions be before you go to the hospital?
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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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Learning the signs of labor before your due date can help you feel ready for your baby's birth. Signs of labor include strong and regular contractions, pain in your belly and lower back, a bloody mucus discharge and your water breaking. If you think you're in labor, call your health care provider.
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If you're having very painful contractions every 5 minutes that last for about a minute, you're probably in labor. Add back pain to this and you may also be experiencing back labor. Take a deep breath, call your OB, and head to the hospital.
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Most physicians and midwives suggest contacting them when your contractions are five minutes apart and lasting 60 seconds and you have had this activity for about an hour.
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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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The contractions become more regular until they are less than 5 minutes apart. Active labor (the time you should come into the hospital) is usually characterized by strong contractions that last 45 to 60 seconds and occur 3 to 4 minutes apart.
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When the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters (called the Transition Phase), contractions are 2 to 3 minutes apart and last about 1 minute. You may feel pressure on your rectum and your backache may feel worse.
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If your amniotic membrane ruptures -- or your "water breaks" -- the contractions may get much stronger. When the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters (called the Transition Phase), contractions are 2 to 3 minutes apart and last about 1 minute.
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It begins when your cervix starts to open (dilate) and ends when it is completely open (fully dilated) at 10 centimeters. 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.
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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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Signs: Contractions are increasingly intense and last between 60 to 90 seconds, and they're 1 1/2 to 2 minutes apart. You may feel pelvic and rectal pressure, have hot flashes and/or chills, have cold feet, and feel nauseous or even vomit.
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You have strong and regular contractions. 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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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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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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What to do if you're having contractions. Contractions that only show up from time to time are most likely Braxton-Hicks. But if they start coming regularly, time them for about an hour. If they get stronger or closer together, you are likely experiencing true labor.
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Contractions are the most common first sign of labor. Just before you go into labor, your cervix, the lower part of your uterus, will soften, thin out, and shorten. You may feel a little discomfort, maybe even a few light, irregular contractions.
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When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag? You should have your hospital bag ready to go between the 32 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. You may start packing it at any time in your pregnancy, but it is important to have everything packed by your 35th week in case baby comes early.