If you're expecting a bundle of joy soon, congratulations! You are in for an adventure that will be full of ups and downs, laughs and tears, heartbreaks and triumphs. One thing that can really mess with your head during this time is figuring out when to head to the hospital. The timing of contractions can be confusing - too early and they'll send you back home, too late and you might give birth on the way there (yikes!). In this article, we'll help you figure out how far apart contractions should be before heading to the hospital so that you don't have any unnecessary stress.
Early Labor
Early labor is...wait for it...the early stage of labor. This is where your body starts preparing itself for childbirth by dilating your cervix. These contractions may not feel like much initially but trust us; they're just getting started.
Length
At first, these pesky little contractions probably won't last longer than 30-40 seconds each.
Frequency
They’ll come at intervals ranging from 5-20 minutes apart ("contraction defined as uterine tightening lasting up to 1 minute")
Note: Being able to time these cramps accurately takes practice – using a stopwatch or timer app on your phone would help in keeping an accurate record of frequency/length patterns over time plus make things less awkward than trying to estimate!
Action Plan
During this phase all what's needed is patience while outlining available support systems such as contact lines or friends/family who could offer practical assistance prior being admitted e.g running basic errands etc.).
Active Labor
Ah! The fun part begins – active labor aka when delivery feels closer. This phase lasts about 4 hours though timelines vary among women depending on factors like previous pregnancy/birthing history or medication administered to induce labor.
Length
"Contractions last up to 70 sec & are frequent"
Frequency
During active labor, contractions will be significantly more intense and much closer together. They’ll probably last around a minute each and come every 3-5 minutes apart (phew!). This is when it's time to call the obstetrician/midwife if not done already plus prepare for admittance into the hospital.
Transitional Labor
If you’ve made it this far – kudos! But don't start thumping your chest yet because we have another phase with heavy duty contractions heading your way: transitional labour. To some women, transition's peak can feel unbearable; but the knowledge that pushing stage isn’t too far away could bear one’s psyche through this stormy sea of intense pangs.
Length
At their peak, these contractions would get as high as 90 seconds!
Frequency
They'll keep coming at intervals from two-three minutes apart, while lasting longer than before by about 60 secs each time . ("The baby will usually arrive within three hours”)
Action Plan
Take deep breaths in-between painful pangs as they're like mini breaks then focus on delivering effectively "personally signifying - push based on comfort level rather than someone else telling what to do."
Pushing Stage
You’ve gone through a lot so far now. This final stretch before seeing your child puts all physical/mental stamina necessary under test especially if inexperienced / multitasking for first born(s) . Then again even moms who’re seasoned repeat offenders never forget how emotionally-charged & endearing experience watching newborn emerg-ing after delivery truly is!
That said during both primigravidae / multigravidae status below pointers guide best birthing outcome achievable:
Position
"The most effective pushing position is different for every woman," advises midwifery expert Ina May Gaskin. "Whatever feels most natural and comfortable to her will generally work the best." The hospital staff may advise squatting, sidelying, or even sitting on a toiletbowl made specifically for this delivery stage (“birthing stools”).
Time
For experienced mothers it could take as little time as an hour in delivering baby from onset of pushing. For first timers however they may require upwards of 3 hours depending on various factors like size/position also feedback given by care provider during vaginal exams.
Efforts
When it comes out to pushing there are no one-size-fits-all rules though some tips that have helped others in the past include listening intently to attendants’ instructions and feeling excited about prospect meeting newborn ( "it's tough - just stay positive!").
Length & Frequency
We cannot accurately tell you how long each contraction will last here since everyone’s labour is unique especially after active phase so focus should be taken introspectively towards achieving maximum progress with each ensuing push ("...keep your eyes fixed on prize!).
Conclusion
In summary when exactly should expectant moms head over hospital ward? Once contractions become stronger,frequent,and excruciatingly lasting longer than before then odds are good you'll be right at home exploring next chapter in familial bliss!"