In case your water breaks, you should go immediately to the hospital, because the baby will no longer be protected in its sterile space and could be affected by an infection. If you have painful and regular contractions (every 5-10 minutes) and your belly is hard, without a doubt, labor has started. If they are not painful and regular it will be a false alarm. If you don't feel the baby's movements or he moves very little, you should go to the hospital.
In short, you should go to the hospital immediately if:
- You break waters.
- You have regular, painful contractions.
- You cannot feel the baby's movements.
Your baby is ready to go out, labor will consist of three phases:
Dilation
Your baby will push towards the cervix, the muscle in that area contracts and engages the baby in the pelvis. The pressure exerted by the baby's head on the cervix will allow it to dilate.
The expulsion
It begins when the neck is fully dilated, this process can take around 20-30 minutes. Your baby will begin to push with his feet to get out, but you will also need to push to facilitate the birth. Once his head is visible, the expulsion begins, then the shoulders will appear and finally the rest of his body.
Congratulations, you already have your baby!
Delivery
About 15-20 minutes after the baby is born, it is your turn to expel the placenta. This can cause more contractions, the midwife will help you push it out by pressing on your uterus.
More information - Labor contractions When to go to the hospital?
Source - Famille actuelle
Photo - baby center