What should I do if my kit hasn't arrived, and I'm delivering earlier than expected?

When you are expecting your first child, every parent is filled with excitement and hope. However, when you are welcoming a new baby with an older child, the excitement can be even greater. Thinking of everything you need to do to prepare can be also a bit overwhelming, so in order to take some weight off your shoulders, we compiled a helpful guide for you.

Mercy Hospital St. Louis, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a trusted provider of maternity care, offering a wide range of services to support mothers and their babies throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Part of the Mercy Health network, this hospital is known for its patient-centered approach and commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care.

As the due date draws near, expectant mothers often find themselves pondering various aspects of labor and delivery, including the duration of contractions. Contractions play a pivotal role in childbirth, but how long is too long for contractions during pregnancy? In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of contractions, their phases, and when it might be a sign to seek medical attention.