Approaching and during labor, women will experience contractions, which is when the uterine muscles tighten and relax until it is near the time of birth. Counting contractions is a very useful way of estimating the time of labor and knowing how fast labor will occur. Read the next article to find out how to count contractions.
Step
Method 1 of 3: When is the Time to Start Calculations
Step 1. Recognize contractions
Women describe contractions as pain that starts in the lower back and moves like waves toward the abdomen. The feeling described is similar to menstrual cramps or constipation. When contractions strike, the pain is mild at first, then peaks and then subsides.
- During the contraction period, the stomach will harden.
- For some women, the pain persists around the lower back area. Each woman generally has its own experience of the contractions that are felt.
- In early labor, most contractions last for 60-90 seconds and occur every 15 to 20 minutes. As labor draws near, the duration of contractions will decrease but their frequency will increase.
Step 2. Start counting contractions if you feel several consecutive bouts of contractions
Sometimes in the months leading up to labor, you will start to feel contractions and this is something that is normal. Your body is "training" for the main event, and generally does no harm. As your due date draws near and you feel contractions that seem to come in a regular pattern, start timing your contractions to determine if labor is imminent.
Method 2 of 3: Counting Contractions
Step 1. Decide which counter to use
You can use a timer, clock or online counter to track the frequency and duration of contractions. Take a pencil and paper to record the number and identify the pattern of contractions felt.
- Use a precise timer, not a digital clock without seconds. Since contractions often last less than a minute, you need to count them down to seconds.
- Make a chart to make it easier to record data. Create a column titled "Contractions," then one titled "Start Time" and a third titled "End Time." Include a fourth column called "Duration" to calculate how long each contraction lasts, and a fifth column titled "Time Between Contractions" to calculate the time between the start of the first contraction and the occurrence of the next.
Step 2. Start counting at the start of the contraction
Do not start counting in the middle or at the end of a contraction. If you (or anyone else) were having contractions when you decided to start counting them, don't do them and wait for new contractions to appear.
Step 3. Record the time the contractions started
When your stomach starts to feel tight, press the timer or start monitoring the clock and record the time in the "Start Time" column. The more accurate the time you record, the better. For example, instead of just writing "22:00," write "22:03:30." If the contractions started at exactly 10pm, write "22:00:00."
Step 4. Record the time the contraction ends
When the pain subsides and the contraction ends, immediately record the exact time the contraction ended. Again, enter as much information and be as accurate as you can.
- After the first contraction ends, you can fill in the "Duration" field. For example, if a contraction starts at 10:03:30 and ends at 10:04:20, the duration of the contraction is 50 seconds.
- Take note of other information related to contractions, such as where the pain started, how it felt, and so on. This information can be useful as the contractions continue until you are finally able to read the patterns that are starting to show.
Step 5. Record the time of the continuation of the contraction
Subtract the start time of the previous contraction by the start time of the new contraction and you'll find out how long it took for the contraction to occur. For example, if the previous contraction started at 10:03:30 and the new contraction started at 10:13:30, the interval between contractions is exactly 10 minutes.
Method 3 of 3: Knowing the Time of Labor
Step 1. Recognize the signs of contractions leading up to labor
In some cases, women experience a series of contractions before labor actually occurs. These are called "false contractions," or Braxton Hicks contractions. Recognizing the difference between actual labor contractions and false contractions can help you determine the next steps to take.
- Labor contractions are continuous and of shorter duration over time, while false contractions do not follow a certain predictable pattern.
- Labor contractions will continue even if you change positions or move, while false contractions may subside once you move.
- Labor contractions will become stronger and more painful over time, while false contractions tend to decrease.
Step 2. Recognize other signs of labor
In addition to having regular contractions, there are other physical signs experienced by a woman who is about to give birth. Monitor the following events:
- Rupture of amniotic fluid.
- The baby becomes "light," or the position descends toward the cervix.
- The discharge of mucus that clogs.
- Dilation of the cervix.
Step 3. Know when to prepare for birth
It's time to go to the hospital or have the midwife get ready to deliver the baby when the "real labor" is about to occur. This occurs when strong contractions lasting 45 to 60 seconds occur between 3 to 4 minutes.
