Labor & Delivery: It’ s Time!
For first-time moms especially, it’ s not always easy to know when you’ re actually in labor. The chart below can help. If you are experiencing true labor or your water breaks, go the hospital immediately.
TRUE LABOR FALSE LABOR
Contractions are consistent, become closer together as labor progresses and generally last between 40 and 60 seconds.
Your contractions are irregular, do not progress and get closer together, and are shorter— usually 20 to 40 seconds.
Your contractions will continue no matter your activities and movement.
Contractions often stop if you lay down to rest, change positions or go for a walk.
Contractions are painful. The pain generally begins in the back and makes its way to the front.
Pain begins in the stomach, not the back.
Contractions increase in strength and intensity.
False contractions are weak and do not grow in strength, pain and intensity.
Your cervix dilates as contractions progress. Your cervix will not dilate.
You may experience bloody show. Bloody show is not likely.
Inducing Labor
If your due date comes and goes and you haven’ t gone into labor, you’ ll undergo additional monitoring and it may be recommended to induce labor, primarily when there’ s concern for the mother’ s or baby’ s health.
Cesarean Birth
If you and your provider determine you will have a cesarean delivery, or C-section, you can schedule it in advance. A baby may also be delivered via C-section if delivery complications happen, making it a safer option. With C-sections, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding may still be still possible immediately following birth. Initial C-section recovery is the same as vaginal births. Medical staff will monitor you and your baby for approximately two hours in the recovery room after delivery.
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean( VBAC)
If you’ ve had a previous C-section, a vaginal delivery may be an option with your current pregnancy. Consult your provider to find out if you are a good candidate for a VBAC.
14