Active labor and VBAC


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Active labor and VBAC


Women who plan a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) are instructed to go to the hospital early in active labor.

Active labor can last 2 to 3 hours (or much longer), during which time your cervix dilates from to . Further thinning (effacing) of the cervix occurs during this phase. Contractions are more frequent and stronger and cause increasing discomfort.

Credits


Author Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated April 20, 2007

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Last updated: April 20, 2007
Author: Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By: Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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