Early labor

This animation shows the signs of the first phase of labor (early labor).

After the membranes rupture and the water breaks, a woman may begin to experience the first phase of labor (early labor). The average time of early labor is extremely variable, lasting from hours to days. It is more common for the first phase of labor to begin before the membranes rupture.

During this time, the pressure of repeated regular contractions causes the cervix, which may have been closed when labor began, to open up to a diameter of 4 centimeters while becoming much thinner.

Various techniques can be used to help alleviate the discomfort a woman may experience during the first phase of labor such as back-rubs and breathing exercises.

Reviewed last on: 9/16/2008
Dan Sacks MD, FACOG, Obstetrics & Gynecology in Private Practice, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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