2. Active Labour

What is happening

How you may feel

The cervix is opening to about 4 cm to 8 cm.

The contractions

• are stronger, more intense, and you feel them more in your abdomen.  You feel them rise to a peak, reach a plateau for a certain time, and ease up.
• last between 45 to 60 seconds.
• are about 3 to 5 minutes apart.

The vaginal discharge increases and becomes heavy and dark.

Your water may break if it hasn't already done so.

You may have some nausea, leg cramps, or back pain.  You may sweat a lot.

Tired

Calm

Tense

Discouraged

Serious

Interested only in labour

Concentrate. Focus on breathing and relaxation.

During contractions

• concentrate on one contraction at a time.
• continue with your slow deep breathing until this is no longer comfortable.
• shift to faster, shallow breathing when you need to.

Between contractions

• relax
• move around
• change positions

Stay with her.

Talk to her. Encourage her. Tell her how well she is doing.

Time the contractions.

Help her through contractions. Breathe with her. Help her to focus and concentrate.

Use comfort measures — massage, backrubs, and cool cloths to her forehead.

Help her to move and to find comfortable positions.

Offer her ice and clear liquids.

Help her use Vaseline or chap stick if her lips are dry. 

Encourage her to relax and rest between contractions.