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How to time contractions

When you think you might be in labor and are having strong contractions that are getting your full attention, begin to keep a written log (this is a good job for your labor companion). This will help you answer questions your health care provider and birth center staff may have.
Graph showing how to time a contraction - Duration is how long one contraction lasts. Frequency is from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.
Our labor log worksheet might be helpful.

An easy way to record a contraction is to write down the time when it begins and the time when it ends.

After you get a column of contractions listed on your notepad, you can easily see how long the contractions are lasting and how much time you have between contractions. It can also help you know when to prepare for the next likely contraction.

Knowing how long contractions are lasting and how frequent they are can be useful in determining the right time to go to the hospital. Beyond that, there is no real need for you to keep a lengthy record listing each contraction, especially if it keeps your partner from providing other kinds of support you need.


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Source: Allina Patient Education, Beginnings: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, fourth edition, ISBN 1-931876-14-2

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 06/19/2003

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts

 

 

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