--- title: "Labor Contractions at Sutter Health" description: "Learn what labor contractions feel like, how to time them, and how to stay relaxed during early labor. A helpful guide for first-time moms." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/labor-contractions" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Health and wellness](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health) / 3. Labor Contractions # Understanding Labor Contractions Are you in labor? Here's what you should know about contractions. * * * July 7, 2025Medically reviewed by [Carrie C. Yiakis, M.D.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-carrie-c-yiakis-1046233432) ![Heavily pregnant woman wearing fitness tracker holding bump](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/health-topics/heavily-pregnant-woman-wearing-fitness-tracker-holding-bump.jpg) Labor contractions are the tightening and relaxing of the uterus — your body’s natural way of helping your baby move into the birth canal. These waves of pressure and cramping are triggered by the hormone oxytocin, signaling that your body is preparing for delivery.  ## What Contractions Feel Like Contractions often start as cramping or tightening in the back, moving around to the front in a wave-like motion. Early on, they may feel like: - Menstrual cramps - Intense gas pains - Pressure in your lower back As labor progresses, contractions get stronger, last longer and come closer together.  ## How to Time Contractions Timing your contractions helps you and your care team know how labor is progressing. **How to time them:** - Start the clock at the beginning of one contraction - Stop at the start of the next one - Note how long each contraction lasts Keep a record to share with your doctor or midwife.  | Time Contraction Starts | Duration of Contraction | | --- | --- | | 10:00 | 45 Seconds | | 10:10 | 45 Seconds | | 10:15 | 60 Seconds | | 10:20 | 55 Seconds | ## Visualizing Contractions Positively It’s helpful to think of each contraction as progress. They’re helping your cervix thin and open, and moving your baby closer to birth. Try: - Rocking in a chair - Swaying gently - Breathing deeply and relaxing your muscles These small movements can ease discomfort and keep you calm.  ## How Long Does Labor Last? For first-time moms, labor often lasts 8–14 hours. If this isn’t your first baby, it may be shorter. Either way, remember that each contraction brings you a step closer to meeting your baby. ## Support at Every Step From conception to delivery, our [pregnancy and childbirth](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/pregnancy-and-childbirth) providers put you first. [Book an Appointment](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Infertility%22%2C%22Nurse+Midwife%22%2C%22Obstetrics+and+Gynecology%22%2C%22Reproductive+Endocrinology%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) ## Meet our care team ![Carrie C. Yiakis, M.D.](http://a.mktgcdn.com/p/GYp7jSrCOf82lVHju3PkcCDSIlQibu4M32TkVOMEN1M/480x480.jpg) [Carrie C. Yiakis, M.D.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-carrie-c-yiakis-1046233432) Obstetrics and Gynecology ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","name":"Labor Contractions at Sutter Health","description":"Learn what labor contractions feel like, how to time them, and how to stay relaxed during early labor. 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