Transitional contractions
Other signs of the transition phase
Emotions in the transitional phase
The 'transitional' phase (or transition) is the term often used to describe the end of the 1st stage of the labour. Transition precedes the pushing phase (or 2nd stage) and will normally generate definite changes in the woman's labour pattern and / or behaviour (whether this is your first or subsequent baby).
Transitional contractions
The contractions during transition usually 'step up' in intensity again, possibly becoming more frequent, often with little (or no) rest in between them. Transitional contractions can be very demanding, with many women describing them as being the 'hardest time' during their labour. However, some women will not recall experiencing a transition.
Transitional contractions may present as:
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Being 1 to 3 minutes apart, and lasting for approximately 50 - 70 seconds. |
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Being 'back to back' with little, or no, rest periods in between. |
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Feeling like one, continuous contraction, with lower back, hip and anal pain never completely subsiding between the contractions. |
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Giving the woman an occasional urge to push. This is usually at the peak of her stronger contractions, however a few women may feel this continuously for each contraction. |
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Causing the woman to involuntarily catch her breath (at the peak of the contractions), due to the temporary urge to push. She may start to make different sounds, more grunts and straining sounds during the contractions. These are sounds that many women will make as they start to move into the early phase of the 2nd stage. |
Other signs of the transition phase