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When you start labor, contractions are irregular.  Your membranes (bag of waters) may or may not break first.  Once the contractions are regular and closse enough together, you will be able to go to the birthing center.  Your care giver will ask you to time your contractions before you call her/him.  This will explain how contractions are timed and help you time them. 
DURATION of the contraction is measured from the beginning of the
contraction to the end of the contraction.

FREQUENCY is measured from the beginning of one contraction to the
beginning of the next contraction.

STRENGTH is how strong the contraction is.
You will USUALLY be told to go to your birthing center when contractions are about five minutes apart, but this is your doctor's decision.  ALWAYS DISCUSS THIS AT YOUR 36 WEEK VISIT.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES THAT MAY HELP:
Real Life Guide to Labor and Delivery 
How to tell Contractions are Real
Premature Labor
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Excerpts from: The Family Pregnancy © 1995: MJ Bovo, The Family Pregnancy, Second Edition, currently in production, and Do You Have Any Questions?  © 1995: MJ Bovo, are contained within this page. Reprints are not permitted under any circumstances.  Please see Terms of Use for full expanation.  Violations of the Copyright Code are taken seriously and appropriate action IS TAKEN AGAINST VIOLATERS.