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The timing between contractions is regular and the contractions begin to occur closer together over time Strength of Contractions: They are not usually very strong They become stronger over time Length of Contractions: Length is uncertain The contractions last between 30–90 seconds and grow longer as labor progresses Location of Pain
A contraction with 30 mmHg or more leads to reduced placental blood flow and a potentially hypoxic fetus. [3] The duration of the contraction affects the length of time in which the spiral arteries are compressed, and the strength of the contraction affects the degree of arterial compression. [1]
Prolonged labor is the inability of a woman to proceed with childbirth upon going into labor. [1] Prolonged labor typically lasts over 20 hours for first time mothers, and over 14 hours for women that have already had children. [1] Failure to progress can take place during two different phases; the latent phase and active phase of labor. [1]
Regular contractions occurring less than 10 minutes apart and progressive cervical dilation or cervical effacement. [36] At least three painful regular uterine contractions during a 10-minute period, each lasting more than 45 seconds. [37] Many women are known to experience what has been termed the "nesting instinct".
If implantation does not occur, the frequency of contractions remains low; but at menstruation the intensity increases dramatically to between 50 and 200 mmHg producing labor-like contractions. [3] These contractions are sometimes termed menstrual cramps, [4] although that term is also used for menstrual pain in general.
Then adding up those numbers generated by each contraction within a 10-minute window. For example, five contractions occurred, producing peak pressures of 55, 50, 45, 65, and 50 mm Hg, respectively. The resting tone of the contractions is 10. 55-10 = 45 50-10 = 40 45-10 = 35 65-10 = 55 50-10 = 40 45+40+35+55+40 = 215 MVUs
Second stage of labor starts when the cervix is dilated to 10 cm and finishes with the birth of the baby. This stage is characterized by strong contractions and active pushing by the mother. It can last from 20 minutes to 2 hours. [16] Third stage of labor starts after the birth of the baby and is finished when the placenta is delivered. [15]
The exact cause of spontaneous preterm birth is difficult to determine and it may be caused by many different factors at the same time as labor is a complex process. [25] [26] The research available is limited with regard to the cervix and therefore is limited in discerning what is or is not normal. [12]