What does labour feel like, and when do I actually get admitted and delivered?

Moms describe contractions as period pain magnified, coming in waves that get closer and stronger, and explain that you're usually only admitted in active labour and delivered once fully dilated (10 cm). If your water breaks, go in immediately.

Community Answers from Moms(4)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

1. 1

   Contractions feel like period pain times ten, but it varies - some feel it in the lower back instead of the front. Each lasts about a minute but recurs every 2-3 minutes, so the dread of the next one adds to it.

2. 2

   You need to be dilated to 10 cm before the baby is delivered. Labour pain isn't continuous - it comes for a minute, then a break, and the duration and frequency increase exponentially.

3. 3

   If your water breaks, go immediately. If not, you usually wait. With water broken and a good doctor, normal delivery can happen; otherwise they increase dilation with medicine.

4. 4

   Admission depends on the hospital - many won't admit you until active labour. In the latent phase with irregular contractions, hospitals often send you home and ask you to return during the active phase.