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Childbirth Class Online - Class Two

By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com

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Timing Contractions

Contractions are what most people focus on during labor. They can be helpful in determining where you are in labor, in fact, sometimes more so than your cervical dilation. When you go to the hospital or birth center, when you call your practitioner, these decisions will usually be made based upon what your contractions are doing.P] Timing contractions isn't that difficult. However, many people don't understand the basics. Looking at the chart below you can figure out the three most important pieces of information gathered by timing contractions: how long the contractions last, how far apart they are, and what type of rest period you have in-between the contractions.

More information on timing contractions.

_{Photo © Robin Elise Weiss} You can use a watch with a second hand, a timer or a stop watch to time the contractions. Some people choose to write them down, others do not. Do not chase her with the stop watch, unless you don't mind being yelled at. It's also handy to time a few contractions and get an idea of where they are and then stop until several hours have past or there is a definite change in contractions, either closer together, stronger, longer or further apart.

Red = Rest Period Between Contractions
Green = Duration of the Contraction (From beginning to end.)
Blue = How Far Apart The Contractions Are (From beginning of one to the beginning of next.)

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