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6 Things to Expect from Labor & Delivery

Every baby enters the world in a unique way. That's why birth stories are so much fun to hear. So what will your labor be like? Doctors and mothers answer common questions from moms-to-be.

Q: How long does labor last, and will I feel pain the whole time?
A: Much of labor is spent in "early labor". During this phase, it is best to be at home where you can walk, sleep, or snack. During active labor, contractions become regular and painful, and the cervix dilates. Normal dilation during active labor for a first-time mom should progress a minimum of 1 centimeter per hour; with pushing time, that's 6 - 12 hours.

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