how long does a contraction last?
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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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Contractions may feel different from the first stage of labor -- they will slow to 2 to 5 minutes apart and last from about 60 to 90 seconds. You will feel a strong urge to push with your contractions.
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Most people stay at home during this time. The second or active phase of the first stage of labour is when your cervix starts to open. At the same time your contractions usually become more regular, around three or four minutes apart and last up to a minute or so.
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In the latent phase of labour, contractions may start and stop. This is normal. Contractions may continue for several hours but not become longer and stronger. They stay at about 30 – 40 seconds.
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While most labors stretch several long hours, some women experience a “precipitous labor” that only lasts two or three hours. Fast labor seems great at first glance (fewer contractions and less pain!) but it could actually come with a host of worrisome side effects ranging from emotional trauma to baby head injury.
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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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Early labor: Each contraction usually lasts about 30 to 45 seconds. They may start as much as 20 minutes apart, but will become progressively shorter as this phase ends. Active labor: Contractions become increasingly more intense, frequent and longer, lasting around 40 to 60 seconds each.
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If your contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting for 1 minute, for 1 hour or longer, it's time to head to the hospital. (Another way to remember a general rule: If they're getting “longer, stronger, closer together,” baby's on their way!)
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Most women whose membranes rupture before labor begins can expect to feel the first contractions within 12 hours of that first trickle, while most others can expect to feel it within 24 hours. In the meantime, you won't run out of amniotic fluid — your body continues to produce it right up until delivery.
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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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Prolonged labor It happens when a new mom is in labor for 20 hours or more. Or 14 hours or more for moms who've given birth before. Babies that are too large for the birth canal, slow cervical thinning, and carrying multiples can all prolong labor. In these cases, doctors consider a cesarean to avoid complications.
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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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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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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. You feel pain in your belly and lower back.
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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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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 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.