Everything you need to know about the different types of labor pain. How to know when contractions are real and what to expect after the birth.
What Happens When Labor Pain Starts?
Your labor has started and you are feeling your first contractions. When your contractions begin your body is preparing itself to give birth.
During each contraction your cervix becomes thinner and starts to open. It will be fully open at 10cm. Once the cervix is open your contractions will help the baby move down into your vagina ready for birth.
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When you are having your first baby it is natural to want to know what will happen when your contractions start, how they feel, and how long they will last.
Before we begin, if you are really struggling with preparing for labor, don’t know what to expect, and have a lot of questions then this free prenatal class will ease your fears.
Hilary has been a labor and delivery nurse for over 16 years and her class is packed full of valuable information.
Check out the class here.
Hilary has been a labor and delivery nurse for over 16 years and her class is packed full of valuable information.
Check out the class here.
The Different Types Of Labor Pain
It is important that you be aware of the different types of labor pains so know exactly what you can expect.
False Labor – Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions. They may start in early pregnancy but usually can’t be felt until the second trimester. Braxton Hicks are most common in the third trimester of pregnancy.
They are named after John Braxton-Hicks, an English doctor who first noticed these false contractions in 1872.
Braxton Hicks contractions are tightening of the uterus that last less than a minute.
They usually occur infrequently and will not usually show any kind of pattern. They are usually mild, they may be uncomfortable but not not painful with the discomfort increasing as you get closer to your due date.
The exact cause of these contractions is not known. It is thought they may be the body’s way of preparing to give birth, that the muscles of the uterus are toning themselves ready for labor.
It thought that being dehydrated during pregnancy may bring them on and that they can be triggered by having sex.
They are several things you can do to help ease Braxton Hicks contractions if they are getting too uncomfortable.
- Ensure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration as this could make the muscles spasm and cause the contractions.
- Gentle exercise will usually stop Braxton Hicks, unlike labor contractions which are unchanged by movement and exercise.
- Don’t let your bladder get too full as this could trigger the contractions.
- Try lying on your left side to help ease the discomfort.
You may be worried that you won’t be able to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and the real thing. Here are a few things to look out for, so you know exactly what you are dealing with.
- Braxton Hicks are irregular and infrequent. They will usually only occur 1 or 2 times an hour. This will probably only happen a couple of times in any 1 day.
- They are generally shorter than labor contractions, lasting less than a minute.
- They tend to get better with exercise or if you change your position. Labor contractions will not do this.
- Braxton Hicks contractions tend not to get stronger as labor pains do.
Early Labor Contractions
Early labor, will usually last between 8 and 10 hours. During this time your cervix will dialate up to 3cm.
At the beginning of early labor your contractions will usually be mild and may be irregular at first.
It is not uncommon for them to feel like menstrual cramps or to feel them in your back. They will last no longer than 45 seconds and typically come at around 30 minutes apart.
As early labor progresses your contractions will start to get stronger and you may feel your uterus tightening. As time goes on your contractions will get closer together.
Towards the end of early labor they will be approximately 5 minutes apart.
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Contractions In Active Labor
Active labor begins when your cervix is 3cm dialated and last until 7cm. It usually lasts between 3 and 5 hours. Active labor can be shorter if this is not your first vaginal birth. It can also be longer if you are having an epidural.
During active labor your contractions will begin to get stronger. They will also last longer, roughly about one minute. They will become more frequent. You will typically get a contraction every three to five minutes as your cervix is dialating much more quickly now.
This is the point where you will be wanting to get to a hospital or birthing centre.
You will feel contractions in active labor much more intensely. You may feel extreme tightening of the cervix, like a squeezing all around your abdomen. You may feel pain in your back and cramping in your legs.
Just so I’m not sugarcoating things, it’s going to be pretty painful. It is important that you know your pain relief options and have included your wishes in your birth plan.
If you are not using pain medication or an epidural then it’s going to be intense. You may not be able to talk through your contractions now but will find that breathing exercises may help.
Contractions During Transition
During the transition phase of labor your cervix will dialate from 7cm to 10cm, at which point it is fully dialated. Transition will typically last between thirty minutes and two hours. This is the beginning of your baby’s descent from the uterus.
Contractions are much longer during transition, lasting between thirty and ninety seconds. They will become much more frequent. You will usually get a contractions every 30 seconds to two minutes at this point. During the transition phase it is possible for your contractions to overlap.
Your labor pain in transition will be much stronger and become increasingly more intense. You may feel pressure in the rectal area from your baby’s head, and may start to feel the urge to push.
You will be very tired by now but it’s important to breathe through every contraction. It’s also not uncommon to feel nauseous during transition.
The Pushing Stage
During the pushing stage of labor your contractions may slow down, giving you time to gather your strength for the next push.
You will feel a lot of pressure during these contractions. You may also get the sensation of needing to move your bowels.
Your contractions during this stage will usually be very strong and you may feel the urge to push with each one.
Contractions Post Birth
You may not realise this but it is fairly common to have contractions after you have given birth.
These contractions, often called after pains are caused by your uterus contracting to get back to it’s normal size. They also help to make sure you don’t bleed too much after the birth.
After pains usually cause mild discomfort. They may be more painful if this is not your first birth. They are at their worst in the first few days after giving birth and may be triggered by breastfeeding.
Not everyone will get after pains. If you don’t get them there is no need for concern and the uterus will still shrink back to it’s original size.
Make sure that you speak to your health care provider if you have any questions about labor and your contractions.
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Types Of Labor Pain – What To Expect
