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 Each phase is characterized by different emotions and physical challenges. The first of the three stages of labor, called the latent phase, is usually the longes. Phase 1: early (latent) labor. Early and later symptoms and signs of labor and delivery are unique to each woman. Labor is in turn broken down into three phases: early, active and transitional. Labor generally progresses more quickly for women who've already given birth vaginally. ABSTRACT: In the past, the period from 3 weeks before until 2 weeks after the estimated date of delivery was considered “term,” with the expectation that neonatal outcomes from deliveries in this interval were uniform and good. Labor is the process by which the fetus and the placenta leave the uterus. Effacement is not a sign of labor that you'll be looking out for, but it is a physical change that gives your healthcare provider important information about how far along you are. Labor: The period of contractions that change the cervix and ends with the birth of your baby. Early signs of labor are passing the mucus plug and lightening. Read Dr. Amos' full bio , the book about him " Lessons in Survival: All About Amos ," and a fictionalized account of his father's life in the novel, " Through Walter's Lens ." Look out for these 10 signs of labor that … Sometimes, however, labor doesn't start. Water breaking and contractions are the later signs that labor is near or has begun. It features meal recommendations, kicks counter, blood glucose tracking, and helpful information to guide you through your pregnancy. Labor is the process of childbirth, starting with contractions of the uterus and ending with the delivery of the baby. Unless labor is cut short by a C-section, all women go through labor, the first stage of childbirth. If you experience prelabor rupture of membranes, your doctor might stimulate uterine contractions before labor begins on its own (labor induction). Thankfully, it's also the least intense by far. If you start having regular contractions that cause your cervix to begin to open before you reach 37 weeks of pregnancy, you're in preterm labor. Every pregnancy is different, and there's wide variation in the length of labor. NICHD provides detailed information about these topics on its Labor and Delivery page.   Lightening: The baby changing positions in the uterus before labor, usually described as the baby "dropping." First stage of labor (It's also known as premature labor.) Towards the end of pregnancy, women experience new symptoms that leave them wondering if these are signs of the first stage of labor or just more “end of pregnancy stuff”. For first-time moms, labor often takes between ten and 20 hours. Typically, after your water breaks at term, labor soon follows — if it hasn't already begun. Dr. Amos Grunebaum, MD, FACOG is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and among the world's leading authorities on fertility and pregnancy. If you're like a lot of pregnant moms, you're probably wondering how you'll know for sure that you're in labor. For more information about labor and birth terms you need to know, download the Fetal Life App for Apple and Android endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association. And although it's good to be informed about all the ins and outs of labor and childbirth, it's also reassuring to know that your provider is on top of these kinds of details, so you can stay focused and relaxed. 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