Active Labor

Active labor is marked by regular contractions that become longer, stronger and closer together over time. Most providers recommend that you go to the hospital when your contractions are five minutes apart, lasting more then 60 seconds for at least an hour. Measure your contractions from the start of one contraction to the beginning of the next.

Your physician will want to know:

•  How far apart are the contractions?

•  How long they are lasting, and how intense?

•  Are you using breathing techniques to manage the pain?

•  Has your "bag of water" broken? Your provider will want to know the time this occurred, and any color or odor.

•  Has there been any discharge, such as a bloody show?

•  If you have had previous deliveries, the active phase of labor can proceed more quickly. Your physician may want to be contacted sooner.

When you are in active labor, you will be concentrating on the task at hand, and will not feel like doing anything else. Your labor partner’s support is important at this phase. Contractions are growing stronger, longer and closer together. Contractions will be about 3-4 minutes apart, lasting 40 to 60 seconds. You may have a tightening feeling in your pubic area and increasing pressure in your back. If you have learned breathing techniques, begin using them now, if you haven’t already. Pain medication is often given at this stage. If you have chosen to have an epidural anesthetic, it is usually given at this stage. Please see pain management for more information.