Question 1

how painful is labor?

Accepted Answer

Not pain-free: Don't get suckered, labor hurts. How different women cope with pain is what varies. It is possible to deliver without drugs or epidural but some women have added fears, anxiety, distrust, & misinformation which can add exponentially to the pain experience. Talk to your OB about options & your needs. Labor with family and/or friends who help and trust your OB provider - you'll be just fine.

Question 2

when is labor induced?

Accepted Answer

Labor induction: Labor induction might be induced in a number of situations. It's usually recommended when conditions for the baby in the uterus are dangerous. Some of the common reasons are diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and evidence that the baby is not growing well. The most common reason is that you’re more than one week overdue. Babies do not do well if you go too far past due date

Question 3

how long does labor last?

Accepted Answer

6-36  hours: It really depends on the number baby it is for you, the size of the baby, etc.

Question 4

what is induction of labor?

Accepted Answer

Pitocin (oxytocin) use: Induction involves the use of a drug(pitocin) to stimulate contractions when pregnancies exceed 42 documented weeks or electively at the time of fetal maturity for other reasons,  or earlier in the pregnancy such as a diabetic mother with a suspected "large baby".

Question 5

what does labor feel like ?

Accepted Answer

Quite painful : According to some people,  labor pain is like a pain you never experience in any other condition. It start at the onset of labour with contractions of uterus trying to push the fetus out and doesn't end until this is accomplished, usually in a couple of hours.

Question 6

what causes the labor to start?

Accepted Answer

Fetal control.: Current theories (supported by pretty conclusive data) suggest that the fetus is in control of labor initiation at term and preterm (in most cases without infection, trauma, abruption). When the fetal brain is mature and stressed enough by the confines of in utero life, it stimulates the fetal adrenal gland setting in motion a cascade that leads to uterine contractions and delivery.

Question 7

what's the hardest part of labor?

Accepted Answer

Check out these: Links. Best wishes!  http://www.ghc.org/healthandwellness/?item=/common/healthandwellness/pregnancy/birth/laborstages.html. http://www.welcomebabyhome.com/pregnancy/firststage_labor_pregnancy.htm.

Question 8

when do you get a trial of labor?

Accepted Answer

If you don't want CS: Anytime you are pregnant and do not want/need cesarean section, you undergo a trial of labor. This has its own risks and should only be attempted in a maternity hospital.

Question 9

how long does labor usually last?

Accepted Answer

Labor: Labor is extremely variable. It can be as short as 1 hour (lucky) or as long as two days or more. These are both extremes though. For a first baby labor should be about  12-18 hours. Subsequent labors are usually shorter, usually 6-10 hours. It is important to monitor the health of the baby during labor. It is a stressful time for the baby also. Good luck!

Question 10

what will help my labor go by fast?

Accepted Answer

Relax!: Some labors are faster than others.  There are meds used to make contractions stronger and more frequent.  There is evidence that breaking bag of water in patient's who have never had baby before will speed up delivery.  Overall, just relax and make sure you and baby are safe...It will happen!

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Does labor start suddenly

A member asked:

How painful is labor?

A member asked:

When is labor induced?

A member asked:

How long does labor last?

A member asked:

What is induction of labor?

A member asked:

What does labor feel like ?

A member asked:

What causes the labor to start?

A member asked:

What's the hardest part of labor?

A member asked:

When do you get a trial of labor?

A member asked:

How long does labor usually last?

A member asked:

What will help my labor go by fast?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?