Active Labor: What You Need To Know

Active labor. The thing that everyone talks about. So what is it and why do you care? I’m going to walk you through what active labor feels like, how to prepare for it and how your contractions will change. ​

​But first, What is Active Labor?

The American College of Obstetricians Gynecologists (ACOG) recently changed its guidelines to reflect 6 cm dilation as the new beginning of active labor.
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What does active labor physically FEEL like? ​

In active labor you can expect your contractions to get progressively more intense, they should last between 40-60 seconds and they will come about every 3-5 minutes. If you aren’t sure how to time contractions, follow this link. 

​How to prepare for active labor?

Once you get to this consistent contraction pattern you should hopefully begin to find a rhythm for coping. Something will “click” and when it does, stick with it! Keep your mind focused and positive! One of my favorite ways I offer my labor doula clients support is through checking in with them and asking how their self talk is. If you have a doula, ask them to do this! A positive internal dialogue makes a world of difference through labor and birth! 

Most likely, your care provider will have talked you through when to contact them. If not, make sure to bring this up at your next prenatal appointment. 
If you find yourself focusing to get through your contractions that come somewhat consistently at 5 or so minutes apart for about an hour, it is time to contact your care provider and go to the hospital or birth center for your birth.

If you’re delivering at home, your midwife might come join you around this time. This would also be the time when your birth doula would be likely to begin your in-person support if she is not already with you. Try finding a local birth class near you that covers coping through labor and educates you on the stages of labor.

We offer two different birth classes. One birth class in Bellingham and one birth class in Skagit. There is a full day option that goes over the details of labor and delivery and everything you will need to know to be well prepared for a confident birth. We also have a 2 hour birth class that specifically focuses on pain management during labor and tips to get you through those tough contractions. 

How will contractions change during active labor?​

Your labor contractions will continue to get stronger, longer and closer together as your body continues to ramp up in preparation for birthing your baby. If you desire an epidural, active labor is typically the optimal time to request that. If you want an unmedicated or natural birth, keep in mind that your body will produce endorphins as it experiences pain.

Endorphins are the pain killers that your brain naturally produces as you experience pain. This means that your brain needs to receive the message that you are in pain before it is able to help you find relief through endorphins. So as you progress incrementally through labor, your endorphin production will also increase with it, helping you make it through labor. 

Keep in mind that contractions are necessary for a vaginal birth as the cervix needs to open. Did you know that contractions are also needed for a c-section? The uterus still needs to contract after the surgical birth to minimize bleeding. So what we're saying is that the pain has a purpose!

​Mantras may be helpful as you begin to need more support to get through these contractions while you wait for the epidural or as you progress through labor.
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Here are some statements that my doula clients have used in the past. 

→ My body knows what to do.
→ Each contraction brings my baby closer to my arms.
→ I am strong.
→ I am well supported by my birth team. 

We talk about several other tips to help you enjoy your birth experience and manage the discomfort that comes with labor and birth in our birth class. We would love to see you there! Join us in Skagit or in Whatcom County to learn more tips about all things birth.