Contractions during labor vary in length depending on the stage of labor:
- Early (latent) labor: Contractions are mild to moderate, lasting about 30 to 45 seconds, irregular, and can be 5 to 20 minutes apart. This phase can last up to 2 to 3 days, and contractions often allow you to talk through them
- Active labor: Contractions become stronger, longer, and more regular, typically lasting between 40 to 70 seconds, occurring every 3 to 5 minutes. This phase usually lasts 4 to 8 hours or more. Contractions may feel intense enough that talking or walking is difficult
- Transition phase (end of active labor): Contractions come closer together and last longer, about 60 to 90 seconds, occurring every 2 to 3 minutes. This phase is the most intense and painful, lasting from 15 minutes to an hour
In summary, contractions start shorter and less frequent in early labor (30-45 seconds), then lengthen to about 40-70 seconds in active labor, and finally last up to 60-90 seconds during the transition phase before delivery
