Does labor begin from the time you begin to diliate?

Question

When someone say they were in labor for 18 hours does that mean they were in pain or that long

or does it mean that's how long it took to go from 0 to 10 cm?

Answer 1

Labor begins with your first REGULAR contraction, or your water breaking. When either happens, one may be said to have begun "labor". From there till birth can be as little as 1 hour, to more than 36 hours, but both extremes are rarities. Four to 18 hours is the norm--for the majority of women.
Most doctors will not let a woman go over about 20 hours unless she is determined to have a natural childbirth and her health will sustain the ordeal.
Subsequent labors usually take less time than the first one.
Congratulations, and best of luck.

Answer 2

Labor is defined as regular contractions with cervical change. People can dilate to 3 or 4 cm over several weeks without knowing it; you can't call that labor.
LABOR is when the contractions become rhythmic and usually uncomfortable, and the cervix begins to progressively change. (I usually ask my patients when the contractions became something she could time, and use that as the start of labor)

Answer 3

Congratulations,
Labour is cut into 3-4 stages,
Early phase of 1st stage of labour

The early phase of 1st stage is usually when the contractions start to become regular and more painful. Some women will need to stop and breathe with some of the stronger contractions in the early phase. During this time the cervix is very thin and opens (or dilates) to about 3- 4cm or more.

Active phase of 1st stage or established labour

The active phase of 1st stage is when the contractions become stronger, and closer together. Most women need to breathe and work with them now, (perhaps pain relief is crossing their mind). During this time the cervix is opening (or dilating) from about 4 cm to around 7- 8cm. The terms 'active 1st stage' and 'established labour' essentially mean the same thing. Established labour is the term predominantly used by most caregivers.

End of 1st stage or 'transition'

Towards the end of the 1st stage or 'transition', the contractions generally become very strong and close together (or for some women back to back, with little to no rest in between). Many women experience vague urges to push, or feelings of pressure in their bottom, as the baby's head moves lower down into their vagina.

The woman can often experience feelings of being 'out of control' or not wanting to 'do it anymore'. Some women make lots of noise, or will moan or grunt at this time. They may seriously contemplate pain relief in transition, but often when they know they are nearly there, they are motivated to keep going. During transition the cervix opens from about 7- 8cm to 10 cms (or 'fully dilated').

2nd stage, resting phase

After transition, there is often a noticeable break between the contractions (or they may even stop for a while). This is a resting phase that can happen, as the womans body re-adjusts to prepare for the pushing phase. Many women have no urge to push at this time. During the resting phase the cervix is fully dilated (or pulled completely up into the body of the uterus).

2nd stage, active or pushing phase

The active, or pushing, phase of the 2nd stage of labour is normally characterised by very strong contractions, which are generally further apart than they were during the 1st stage. The woman usually has an urge to push (or a sensation of wanting to open her bowels). The baby is starting to make the journey out of the woman's uterus, through her pelvis and down the vagina (or birth canal).

Crowning, end of 2nd stage

The end of the 2nd stage is when the baby's head 'crowns' or the top of the baby's head is clearly visible at the opening of the woman's vagina. The perineum is stretched to the maximum, and most women can often feel a strong, burning sensation. The woman usually needs to 'pant' or breathe at this time, rather than pushing, to help ease her baby's head out.

The birth

The baby's head is usually born with the next contraction after 'crowning'. The woman needs to wait for another contraction before the baby's body is born. The baby can then complete the birth journey into the outside world!

The 3rd stage of labour

Within 5 to 20 minutes of the baby being born, the woman's uterus contracts again, and in doing this reduces in size. This action shears the placenta off the wall of the uterus, so that it can come down and out the birth canal.

Answer 4

I think they mean from the start of the first minor cramp. Surely no doctor would let a woman go for 18 hours in full labour.

Answer 5

my truck goes from 0 to 10 cm in 18 hours...

Answer 6

labor is when the contractions start and come regular

Answer 7

well, it can mean all of the above, but many preganant women are dialated 1 cm naturally, so id say (by my pregnancy) that i was in pain for that long, so i ould saymi was in labor.....

Answer 8

Stages of labor
From MayoClinic.com
Special to CNN.com


Every woman's labor is unique, even from one pregnancy to the next. In some cases, labor is over in a matter of hours — or less. In other cases, labor tests a mother's physical and emotional stamina.

When everything goes smoothly, you can expect a sequence of events in three natural stages.


Stage 1: Early labor, active labor and transition

Stage 1 occurs when the cervix opens (dilates) and thins out (effaces) to allow the baby to move into the birth canal. This is the longest stage of labor. It's actually divided into three phases of its own — early labor, active labor and transition.

Early labor
During early labor, your cervix will dilate from 0 centimeters to about 3 centimeters.

You may feel mild to moderately strong contractions during early labor. They may last 30 to 60 seconds and come every five to 20 minutes.

You may notice a thick, stringy, blood-tinged discharge from your vagina as the cervix begins to open. This is known as a bloody show. You may also experience a backache, upset stomach and, possibly, diarrhea. Some women report a sensation of warmth in the abdomen as labor begins.

How long it lasts: You may need to be patient. Early labor may last for hours or even days, especially for first-time moms. It's often much shorter for subsequent deliveries.

What you can do: Until your contractions pick up in frequency and intensity, it's up to you. For many women, early labor isn't particularly uncomfortable. The biggest problem may be anxiety as you anticipate active labor. Choose comfortable activities that help distract you from the contractions. You may feel like doing household chores, taking a walk or watching a movie.

It may also help to:

Take a shower or bath.
Listen to relaxing music.
Have a gentle massage.
Try slow, deep breathing.
Change positions.
Drink water, juice or other clear liquids.
Eat a light, healthy snack.
Apply ice packs or heat to your lower back.
Active labor
Now it's time for the real work to begin. During active labor, your cervix will dilate to nearly 7 centimeters.

Your contractions will become stronger and progressively longer. They may last 45 seconds to a minute or longer. They may be two to four minutes apart, leaving you less time to rest. You may feel increasing pressure in your back as well. If you haven't headed to your labor and delivery facility yet, now's the time.

Your initial excitement may wane as your labor progresses and the pain intensifies. Many women request pain medication during active labor. Don't feel like you're giving up if you ask for relief. Your health care team will help you make the best choice for you and your baby. Remember, you're the only one who can judge your need for relief.

How long it lasts: On average, active labor lasts between three and eight hours. For some women it's a lot shorter — especially those who've had a previous vaginal delivery.

What you can do: Look to your labor coach and health care team for encouragement and support. Try breathing and relaxation techniques to combat your growing discomfort. Use what you learned in childbirth class or ask your health care team for suggestions.

It may also help to:

Rock in a rocking chair.
Roll on a birthing ball.
Take a warm shower.
Change positions.
Take a walk, stopping to breathe through contractions.
Transition
The last phase of the first stage of labor — when your cervix dilates from 7 centimeters to 10 centimeters — is called transition. It's often the shortest but most difficult phase of labor.

During transition, your contractions will increase in strength and frequency. You may have time for only a hurried breath between contractions. Your contractions may reach peak intensity almost immediately and last up to 90 seconds. It may feel as though the contractions never completely disappear.

You may also feel plenty of pressure in your lower back and rectum. You may feel hot and sweaty one minute, cold and chilled the next.

If you haven't opted for pain relief yet, you may do so now. Even as the birth approaches, you still have safe options. At any point in labor, trust your health care team to help you decide which methods of pain relief are best.

How long it lasts: On average, transition lasts between 15 minutes and three hours. It's more likely to be quick if you've already had a vaginal delivery.

What you can do: Concentrate on getting through one contraction at a time. You may not want anything to distract you at this point, such as the radio, television or conversation in the room.

It may also help to:

Change positions.
Place a cool, damp cloth on your forehead.
Have a massage between contractions.
If you feel the urge to push, try to hold back until you've been told you're fully dilated. It may help to pant or blow. Pushing too soon may cause your cervix to tear or swell, which can delay delivery or cause troublesome bleeding.


Stage 2: The birth of your baby

It's time!

How long it lasts: It can take from a few minutes up to several hours or more to push your baby into the world. It often takes longer for first-time moms and women who've had an epidural.

What you can do: Push! You may be encouraged to push with each contraction to speed the process. Or you might take it more slowly, letting nature do the work until you feel the urge to push.

Many women choose to push while lying in a birthing bed. Squatting or sitting works well for others. Some women prefer to get on their hands and knees or kneel while a labor coach supports their upper body. Try different positions until you find one that feels best.

When you push, don't hold tension in your face. Bear down and concentrate on pushing where it counts.

At some point, you may be asked to push more gently — or not at all. Slowing down gives your vaginal area time to stretch rather than tear. To stay motivated, you may be able to feel the baby's head between your legs or see it in a mirror.

After your baby's head is delivered, his or her airway will be cleared and your health care provider will make sure the umbilical cord is free. The rest of your baby's body will follow shortly.


Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta

After your baby is born, you'll feel a great sense of relief. You may want the baby to be placed in your arms or on your abdomen as soon as possible. Cherish the moment.

But a lot is still happening. Your health care provider must deliver the placenta and make sure your bleeding is under control.

How long it lasts: The placenta is typically delivered in about five to 10 minutes. In some cases, it may take up to 30 minutes.

What you can do: Relax! By now your focus has shifted to your baby. You may be oblivious to what's going on around you. You may even want to breast-feed your baby.

You'll continue to have mild contractions. Your health care provider may massage your lower abdomen to encourage your uterus to contract and expel the placenta. You may be asked to push one more time to deliver the placenta, which usually comes out with a small gush of blood.

Your health care provider will examine the placenta to make sure it's intact. Any remaining fragments must be removed from the uterus to prevent bleeding and infection. If you're interested, ask to see the placenta.

Your health care provider will also determine whether you need stitches or other repair work. If you do, you'll receive an injection of local anesthetic in the area to be stitched if it's not numb already. You may also be given medication to encourage uterine contractions and minimize bleeding.


Now what?

Savor this special time with your baby. Your preparation, pain and effort have paid off. Revel in the miracle of birth.

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/PR/00106.html