What are the 3 phases of contractions?

What are the 3 phases of contractions?

The first stage of labor is the longest and involves three phases:

• Early Labor: The onset of labor until the cervix is dilated to 3-6 centimeters.
• Active Labor Phase: Continues from 3 cm until the cervix is dilated to 7 centimeters.
• Transition Phase – Continues from 7 cm until the cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters.

What are the 4 contractions?

Labor happens in four stages:

• First stage: Dilation of the cervix (mouth of the uterus)
• Second stage: Delivery of the baby.
• Third stage: Afterbirth where you push out the placenta.
• Fourth stage: Recovery.

What are the 4 P’s in labor?

The ability of the fetus to successfully negotiate the pelvis during labor and delivery depends on the complex interactions of four variables: uterine activity, the fetus, the maternal pelvis and maternal well-being. This is also known as the four Ps: power, passage, passenger and psyche.

What happens when contractions are 3 minutes apart?

Transition phase Contractions are two to three minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds. They feel very different and choppy as they change from dilating contractions to pushing contractions. The urge to push may start now. You may experience nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, chills, sweats or uncontrollable shakes.

What are early labor contractions like?

Labor contractions cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Some women might also feel pain in their sides and thighs. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps, while others describe them as strong waves that feel like diarrhea cramps.

What is the 2nd stage of labor?

In the second stage of labor, your cervix is fully dilated and ready for childbirth. This stage is the most work for you because your provider wants you to start pushing your baby out. This stage can be as short as 20 minutes or as long as a few hours. It may be longer for first-time moms or if you’ve had an epidural.