One mom even used the iconic words of Forrest Gump to describe it: "Labor is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. By the time we got to the hospital, I was at ten centimeters.
It hurt, but it wasn't that bad. It was all fairly easy! I felt the pressure of each contraction and the pain from the crowning. Check out these relaxation tips for easing labor pain. Many moms told us that their contractions felt like an extreme version of menstrual cramps, while others compared them to cramps from gas, the stomach flu, or a charley horse. They would start low and radiate up my belly and around into my lower back. Several women told us that their contractions felt more like a tightening sensation rather than a cramping one.
But the contractions were not unbearable at all. Labor certainly isn't a trip to the beach, but many women described a wavelike effect with their contractions. When the contraction was over, I felt completely fine. For lots of women we surveyed, yes. The most common analogy moms used to describe the sensation of the pressure they felt during labor even before the pushing stage — all decorum aside — was thinking about having to poop.
I was surprised that it felt like I had to have a bowel movement rather than pressure in the vagina. Many women described pushing during labor as a relief, while others found it painful.
It was relieving to push and incredibly relieving to push him out. Then the pain became part of the background noise, as though I was in an altered state.
You may think you'll feel labor pains in your abdomen, but for some, the pain was more concentrated in the back. Learn more about back labor and how to cope. I didn't have any contractions in my stomach like you see in the movies. I was literally trying to get away from my own back. I had no pain in my back or tummy. I was unable to think of or do anything else after contractions started. I hadn't eaten, so I had very little energy and had to be on oxygen for about half my labor. I have never been more in my body.
I think being fearful contributes to the pain level a lot. These signs of labor include:. If you think labor has started, Dr. Emery says you should time your contractions. The waiting game is finally over! Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Frostbite Can Happen in Minutes.
Trending Topics. Bear down and concentrate on pushing where it counts. If possible, experiment with different positions until you find one that feels best. You can push while squatting, sitting, kneeling — even on your hands and knees. At some point, you might be asked to push more gently — or not at all. Slowing down gives your vaginal tissues time to stretch rather than tear.
To stay motivated, you might ask to feel the baby's head between your legs or see it in a mirror. After your baby's head is delivered, the rest of the baby's body will follow shortly. His or her airway will be cleared if necessary. Your health care provider or labor coach will then cut the umbilical cord. After your baby is born, you'll likely feel a great sense of relief. You might hold the baby in your arms or on your abdomen.
Cherish the moment. But a lot is still happening. During the third stage of labor, you will deliver the placenta. How long it lasts: The placenta is typically delivered in five to 30 minutes, but the process can last as long as an hour.
What you can do: Relax! By now your focus has likely shifted to your baby. You might be oblivious to what's going on around you. If you'd like, try breast-feeding your baby. You'll continue to have mild contractions. They'll be close together and less painful. You'll be asked to push one more time to deliver the placenta. You might be given medication before or after the placenta is delivered to encourage uterine contractions and minimize bleeding. Your health care provider will examine the placenta to make sure it's intact.
Any remaining fragments must be removed from the uterus to prevent bleeding and infection. If you're interested, ask to see the placenta.
After you deliver the placenta, your uterus will continue to contract to help it return to its normal size. Your health care provider will also determine whether you need stitches or repair of any tears of your vaginal region. If you don't have anesthesia, you'll receive an injection of local anesthetic in the area to be stitched.
Savor this special time with your baby. Your preparation, pain and effort have paid off. Revel in the miracle of birth. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
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