What happens if contractions stop

If you are a first-time mother and are able to manage the contractions at home, new research is suggesting that first-time mothers should continue to stay at home until it is difficult to breathe through the contractions. However, if you live a great distance from the hospital, are concerned about not getting there on time or have other special concerns, plan on leaving sooner.

When you arrive in labor and delivery, a nurse will check your blood pressure, temperature, may obtain both blood and urine samples, and place devices on your abdomen that monitor the baby's heart rate and your contractions.

The nurse, your on-call physician, or midwife will then perform a vaginal exam to evaluate the dilation and effacement of your cervix. It is best to be admitted when active labor begins, especially if you are a first-time mother. In active labor, the contractions are less than five minutes apart, lasting seconds and the cervix is dilated three centimeters or more.

Depending on your stage of labor, contraction pattern, how far dilated you are and fetal heart tracing, your physician or midwife may admit you to the hospital, or suggest returning home until the contractions are closer together. In the event you are in early labor and sent home, it is common to feel disappointed, maybe even embarrassed. Activities such as walking, showering, resting, drinking fluids, renting a video, or listening to music, can be very helpful in early labor.

If you are admitted and have had a positive culture for Group B Beta Strep during your pregnancy, or have any risk factors, you will receive antibiotics prior to delivery. We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences. Error was Detected. Your browser doesn't support JavaScript code, or you have disabled JavaScript.

Choose location Choose Location. Sign in or Enroll Enter a search term:. Change Location X. We've expanded your view You are now viewing all services in the Sutter Health network. You are also at greater risk of slow progress if you are overweight or have gained a lot of weight during the pregnancy, or if this is your first baby.

If you are experiencing slow progress, your midwife and doctor will monitor you closely. They will measure how quickly your cervix is dilating, how long your contractions last and how often you are having them. If you are in the first stage of labour, your midwife and doctor may decide to break your waters or give you the medication oxytocin to speed up your contractions or make them stronger.

You will probably be given pain medication and asked to change position , which might speed things up. If your baby has already entered the birth canal, your doctor or midwife might deliver them by using forceps or ventouse. If the baby is in distress, you may give birth by emergency caesarean. If your doctor uses either forceps or ventouse to help you have your baby, there is a risk they may have some swelling or marks on their head , but these usually fade quite quickly.

If meconium is found in the amniotic fluid, your baby may have difficulty breathing when they are born and may require special care. Babies usually have their first poo after they are born, but some babies who are stressed during delivery pass meconium when they are still in the womb and can inhale it.

Low oxygen levels or an abnormal heart rate might also require your baby to need have special care after the birth. Assisted delivery can also result in injury to the mother. Most injuries will be temporary and will heal over time, but occasionally the injury can be more long lasting and may require further treatment.

As with any type of surgery, there are some risks, but a caesarean is usually the safest option if you or your baby are at risk. Every pregnancy is different. They can feel stressed and experience anxiety about future motherhood. Those you might want to consider contacting include:. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.

Find out why here. Learn more about labour complications. An assisted delivery, sometimes called an 'instrumental delivery', is when your doctor will help in the birthing process.

It can be helpful if they massage your back if you have backache or suggest alternative positions to encourage labour to continue. Keep upright as much as possible as this will encourage labour and gravity helps the baby go down into your pelvis. Swaying or rocking your hips can also help. You can also try a TENS machine now if you have one. However, although this can be an exciting time, remember to rest and not get overtired as you will need lots of energy later. You can take Paracetamol as directed as a simple form of pain relief but contact your Midwife if you need advice or reassurance.

Your body needs a lot of energy for labour, so fill your body with energy stores now. Take each contraction as it comes, every one is doing its job, and one closer to you having your baby in your arms.

Your contractions will gradually become stronger, longer and more frequent. You will know when you are ready to go into hospital, as you no longer feel comfortable in your own home. If you live far away from hospital, make sure you leave plenty of time.

Second and later babies often arrive more quickly. Midwives are available on the telephone for support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will provide you with information and advice. Sometimes labour starts early, before 37 weeks.

If this happens, phone the Labour Ward immediately on If you are having a home birth - telephone the Midwifery-led Unit and they will arrange for a Midwife to come to your home. When you come into hospital, the Midwife will ask you questions about your pregnancy, when your contractions started and whether your waters have broken. The Midwife will undertake an Antenatal assessment the same as the Midwife does in the community clinic.

Depending on the frequency of your contractions, the Midwife will offer you a vaginal examination to determine whether labour has started. The latent or early stages of labour last until your cervix is about 4cm dilated and you have regular strong contractions, sometimes this can take a long time. If you go to hospital before you are in established labour you may be asked if you would prefer to go and enjoy the comfort of your own home again for a while, rather than spending many extra hours in hospital.

Being relaxed and confident helps labour to progress but if you are feeling very uncomfortable at this point please discuss this with your Midwife. There is lots of evidence to support that a change in your birth environment can have a hormonal effect on your body, which may affect the progress of your labour.

Often, when women come into hospital, they become anxious and stressed. A hormone called adrenalin is released which reduces the effects of oxytocin. As a result, women often find that their contractions slow down or even stop when they come into hospital.