What is Labor Like

The idea of going into labor can be frightening. It can help to know what may happen.

Male: You have seen women giving birth on TV, what labor really like? Female: The first stage of labor has two phases, latent and active phase. Latent labor is the longest phase and can last up to a few days. During latent labor, your cervix will dilate about three centimeters, a process that results in mild, brief contractions which are spaced five to 20 minutes apart. Expect to notice discharge known as the bloody show and to experience back aches and cramping. At the end of latent labor, the active labor phase begins. During active labor which usually lasts for several hours, your contractions will strengthen and occur about every three minutes. This part of your labor can be very intense and you may experience nausea, fatigue, chills or sweats and strong pressure in your lower back pelvis and rectum.