Hear from moms who've been there: Sharing their labor experience to help you prepare
Yezimom: "When I entered the delivery room, my contractions were very regular—about every 5 to 6 minutes. The pain felt like my back was breaking, accompanied by a strong urge to push. That kind of pain, I think, I'll never forget for the rest of my life."
Meizimom:I remember it starting with tightening and releasing, like cramps, with a pulling sensation but no significant pain. When my cervix dilated, the contractions became excruciating. My belly felt rock-hard like bone—I completely lost control. But looking back now, it's all happiness."
Contractions can actually start a month before delivery. However, only painful contractions signal the onset of labor.
Contraction Season 1: False Contractions
Starting around week 28, moms-to-be often feel their belly tighten and harden in waves. These contractions aren't painful, occur at long, irregular intervals, and don't cause discomfort.Expectant mothers should remember to attend regular prenatal checkups. If the baby's heartbeat and movements show no abnormalities, they can wait with peace of mind.
Second Stage: Early Contractions
As labor approaches but hasn't yet begun, expectant mothers may notice contractions occurring at longer intervals but gradually becoming more regular—roughly every 60 minutes, then every 40 minutes, and sometimes every 20 minutes. Each contraction lasts about a few seconds.Expectant mothers may feel slight abdominal discomfort, but it won't interfere with daily activities.
Stay calm during this phase! These contractions are simply the uterus preparing for delivery. Adjust your mindset, review childbirth knowledge, familiarize yourself with each stage, and know how to respond—this will prevent panic during labor. Once contractions grow progressively stronger and intervals shorten, go to the hospital promptly.
Third Stage Contractions: Initiating the Birth Mechanism
Initial regular contractions occur roughly every 6-7 minutes, lasting about 30 seconds each. As labor progresses, contractions intensify, intervals shorten, and duration increases until the cervix is fully dilated. This marks the most intense phase of contractions throughout the entire birthing process.
Stay calm! Expectant mothers should avoid excessive panic or fear. Focus on your baby to distract yourself and relax. Use the intervals between contractions to rest—sleep, eat, drink water, listen to music, or chat.During contractions, try lying on your side and breathe using your abdomen to relax it. If contractions shorten to every 2-3 minutes, or if you experience water breaking, increased bleeding, or a strong urge to push, notify your doctor immediately.
Fourth Stage: Active Labor
At this stage, the baby's head has begun descending through the pelvis. With each contraction, it rotates and moves toward the birth canal opening.Contractions occur every 2 minutes, lasting up to 50 seconds each. The pain may be so intense that you feel no interval between contractions, accompanied by a strong urge to push.
How can expectant mothers cope?
1. Master the pushing technique.When a contraction hits, take a deep breath, hold it, and push downward with all your strength—just like straining during constipation. Between contractions, relax completely, panting heavily ("Ha-ha!"), and conserve energy for the next wave.
2. Avoid screaming, as it wastes energy without helping.