Symptoms
- Regular contractions
- Water breaking
- Bloody show
- Nesting instinct
- Lightening or baby dropping
Causes
- Full-term pregnancy
- Hormonal changes
- Fetal positioning
- Cervical ripening
- Natural onset of labor
Treatments
- Labor monitoring
- Pain management techniques
- Assisted pushing techniques
- Perineal support
- Immediate postpartum care
Estimated Duration
Active labor typically lasts 8-12 hours for first-time mothers
Follow-Up Care
Postpartum check-ups and newborn care