Labor and Delivery

Labor occurs in three stages.

Stage 1

There are three phases to the first stage of labor, which begins at the onset of true contractions and completes with the full dilation of the cervix. The three phases include:

Early phase. Also called the latent phase, this time involves contractions every 5 to 20 minutes. Contractions increase in frequency and intensity. At first, contractions will last 30 to 45 seconds. This will increase to 60 to 90 seconds as contractions occur about every 5 minutes. The cervix gradually dilates to about 3 to 4 centimeters. Because the early phase can last hours or even days, it usually takes place at home.
Active phase. Discomfort increases during the active phase as 45- to 60-second contractions occur every 3 to 5 minutes. The cervix will become dilated to 8 to 9 centimeters during this phase.
Transition. During the transition phase, 60-second contractions will occur every 2 to 3 minutes. Cervical dilation will complete, reaching about 10 centimeters. It is important to alert your nurse if you have the urge to push. Do NOT push until the medical staff directs you to do so.

Stage 2

The stage in which you are fully dilated and can actively push and deliver your baby can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

Stage 3

After you deliver your baby, the final stage of labor involves the expulsion of the placenta. This usually occurs within 20 minutes after your baby’s birth.

Is it false labor or true labor?

In false labor, contractions:

Are irregular and do not increase in frequency
Go away when you change position or lie down
Are felt only in the lower abdomen
Do not increase in intensity

In true labor, contractions:

Begin in your back and stretch around and up the abdomen
Last from 40 to 60 seconds
Increase in frequency and intensity
Occur at regular intervals
Are accompanied by a gush or leak of fluid
Do not diminish when you change position or lie down

Cesarean Section

About 15 to 20 percent of deliveries occur via cesarean section. This surgical procedure involves delivery through an incision in the abdomen. Reasons that a cesarean section may be necessary include:

You have had a previous C-section delivery
The baby is breech, or in a transverse position
Active genital herpes infection
The baby is too large for a safe vaginal delivery
You have placenta previa

Call our office

New patients please call:
855-346-8610

Existing patients please call:
281-347-2600

Virtual Consultation

When to Call the Doctor

After 37 weeks, call the doctor if:

Contractions lasting 45-60 seconds are coming at 5-minute intervals for an hour.ORIf you were more than 3 centimeters dilated at your last exam, have a history of fast delivery, or live more than 30 minutes from the hospital, call when contractions have been 10-minutes apart for an hour.
Your baby is not moving at least 10 times an hour. If you notice decreased movement, lie on your side and count the number of kicks you feel in an hour. If less than 10, have a snack and something to drink, then lie back down and do another count. If still less than 10, contact us.
Membrane rupture. If you suspect that your water has broken, call us immediately. An evaluation will likely be conducted in the hospital.
Vaginal bleeding. Minor spotting is normal after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam. This may also indicate that you have lost your mucus plug. Any other vaginal bleeding should be reported to your doctor.
If you have lost your mucus plug, you DO NOT need to call us unless you are having other signs of labor.

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Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine
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We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L. Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of Medicine from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.

Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today, she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.

Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.

Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.

Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.