Labor and Delivery: What to Expect

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Labor and Delivery: What to Expect


Childbirth is one of the most transformative experiences in a parent’s life. Whether this is your first baby or you’ve been through labor before, understanding what to expect during labor and delivery can reduce anxiety and help you feel more prepared. While every birth is unique, there are common stages, symptoms, and procedures that most women experience. This guide walks you through each step—before, during, and after childbirth—so you know exactly what to expect.

What Is Labor and Delivery?

Labor and delivery refer to the process your body goes through to bring your baby into the world. Labor typically happens in three main stages:

  1. Early labor and active labor
  2. Delivery (pushing and birth)
  3. Delivery of the placenta

Knowing what to expect in labor can help you identify symptoms, manage discomfort, and communicate effectively with your healthcare team.

Signs That Labor Is Starting

Your body gives several signals that labor is approaching. These signs may vary depending on how far along you are.

Common early signs include:

Preterm Signs: 33–34 Weeks

If you are 33 weeks and wondering what to expect, early contractions, pressure, or leaking fluid should prompt an immediate call to your doctor.
At 34 weeks labor and delivery, preterm labor can happen, but medical teams are well equipped to support both mother and baby if early delivery becomes necessary.

Full-Term Signs: 39 Weeks

At 39 weeks and wondering what to expect, contractions may begin to intensify, and you may feel increased pelvic pressure as your baby moves lower into the birth canal. Most women go into labor naturally between 39 and 41 weeks.

What to Expect During Labor

Labor unfolds in stages, each with its own physical changes and emotional experiences.

Early Labor

Active Labor

Transition Phase

  • Cervix dilates from 8 to 10 cm
  • This is the most intense stage
  • Strong contractions may occur every 2–3 minutes
    Understanding what to expect during labor helps many mothers feel more in control and prepared.

What to Expect During Delivery (The Pushing Stage)

Once the cervix reaches 10 cm, it’s time to push. This stage can last a few minutes to several hours.

During this stage:

  • You may feel an intense urge to push
  • Your healthcare provider guides you through breathing and positioning
  • A labor and delivery nurse stays by your side to monitor progress
  • The baby’s head crowns, followed by the rest of the body

This process takes place in the labor and delivery room, where both medical monitoring and comfort tools are available to support you.

Induced Labor: What to Expect

Sometimes labor needs a medical nudge. This is called induction.

Reasons for inducing labor include:

  • Medical conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes)
  • Being past due date
  • Low amniotic fluid
  • Concerns about baby’s growth

Methods of Induction

If you’re preparing for labor and delivery with induction, you can expect stronger contractions at the beginning, depending on the induction method. Understanding what to expect during induced labor helps you anticipate the timeline and sensations. Many women still deliver vaginally after induction, though the process may take longer.

Labor and Delivery Room Tour: What You’ll See

Many hospitals offer a labor and delivery tour to help parents prepare.

During a labor and delivery room tour, you’ll usually see:

  • The birthing bed
  • Fetal monitoring equipment
  • Newborn warming station
  • IV and medication tools
  • Bathroom with shower (in many hospitals)
  • Space for partners or support people

Touring the labor and delivery room ahead of time helps reduce stress and allows you to discuss your preferences with your care team.

Pain Management Options

Every woman experiences labor differently, and pain management choices depend on personal preference and medical needs.

Common options include:

  • Epidural anesthesia
  • IV pain medication
  • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
  • Breathing and relaxation techniques
  • Water therapy or movement

Your medical team can help you choose what feels right for you.

Labor and Delivery Tips for a Smoother Experience

  • Practice breathing techniques before labor begins
  • Stay hydrated
  • Move or change positions during labor
  • Communicate with your nurse and care provider
  • Bring comfort items (music, pillow, birth plan)

Small adjustments often make the experience more manageable and empowering.

After Delivery: What Happens Next

Once your baby is born, several things happen immediately:

  • Baby is placed on your chest for skin-to-skin contact
  • Umbilical cord is clamped and cut
  • The placenta is delivered
  • Nurses perform newborn checks (weight, breathing, temperature)
  • You receive postpartum care, including monitoring and guidance on breastfeeding

This stage supports bonding and ensures both you and your baby are stable and healthy.

When to Go to the Hospital

You should contact your provider or head to the hospital if:

  • Contractions are 5 minutes apart for at least an hour
  • Your water breaks
  • You notice bleeding
  • Baby’s movements decrease
  • You experience preterm labor symptoms at 33–34 weeks

It’s always safer to be evaluated if you’re unsure.

 

FAQs: Labor and Delivery – What to Expect

1. What should I expect during labor and delivery?

Labor and delivery typically involve three stages: early labor, active labor, and delivery of the baby and placenta. You can expect contractions to increase in strength and frequency, cervical dilation, and eventually the urge to push. Medical staff—including your labor and delivery nurse—will guide you through each stage.

2. What are the first signs of labor?

Common early signs include regular contractions, back pain, pelvic pressure, loss of the mucus plug, and water breaking. If symptoms appear before 37 weeks, especially around 33 or 34 weeks, contact your doctor right away.

3. What should I expect at 39 weeks of pregnancy?

At 39 weeks and beyond, contractions may begin naturally, the baby drops lower into the pelvis, and cervical dilation may start. Many women experience stronger Braxton Hicks contractions and increased pressure in the pelvis.

4. What happens during induced labor and delivery?

Induced labor involves medically starting contractions using methods such as Pitocin, breaking the water, or cervical ripening. Inducing labor may cause contractions to become strong more quickly. Knowing what to expect during induced labor helps you prepare for a potentially longer process.

5. When should I go to the hospital?

Most providers recommend going to the hospital when contractions are five minutes apart, lasting one minute each, for at least one hour. You should also go immediately if your water breaks, bleeding occurs, or you feel decreased fetal movement.

6. What can I expect during a labor and delivery room tour?

A hospital tour usually shows the labor and delivery room layout, birthing bed, newborn station, monitoring equipment, and amenities for your support person. A labor and delivery room tour helps reduce anxiety and lets you ask questions in advance.

7. How long does labor last?

The duration varies widely. Early labor can last hours or even days, while active labor is typically shorter. First-time mothers may labor longer, while subsequent pregnancies often progress faster.

8. What pain relief options are available during labor?

Options include epidurals, IV pain medications, nitrous oxide, breathing exercises, massage, warm showers, and movement. Your medical team can help you choose what feels right based on your birth plan.

9. What should I expect at 33 or 34 weeks if labor begins early?

Preterm labor at 33 or 34 weeks may require hospital monitoring, medication to slow contractions, or steroid injections to support the baby’s lung development. Many babies born at 34 weeks do very well with proper care.

10. What happens immediately after delivery?

After delivery, your baby is usually placed on your chest for skin-to-skin contact. Your provider will deliver the placenta, check for tears, and monitor you for bleeding. The baby will undergo routine evaluations and care at the bedside.

 

Conclusion

Understanding what to expect during labor and delivery can make the entire experience feel more manageable and less overwhelming. When you know the signs of labor, how the stages progress, and what happens inside the labor and delivery room, you’re better prepared to make confident decisions that support both you and your baby. Whether you’re exploring what to expect in labor at 39 weeks, preparing for induced labor and delivery, or learning how early signs may appear around 33 or 34 weeks, having the right information empowers you every step of the way.

 

As you move closer to childbirth, take time to reflect on your preferences, communicate openly with your care team, and consider taking a labor and delivery tour to familiarize yourself with the environment. Every labor story is unique, but being informed helps you approach the journey with clarity and calm. If you’re ready to continue preparing, explore more labor and delivery tips or dive deeper into childbirth topics that support your birth plan and peace of mind.


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