When do labor shakes start, and why do so many women experience them during childbirth? Picture this: you’re in the delivery room, contractions are strong, and suddenly your body begins to tremble uncontrollably. Is it fear, exhaustion, or simply part of the birthing process? Many expectant mothers are surprised when it happens, but there’s a clear physiological reason behind it.
Labor shakes usually begin in active labor or immediately after delivery, often during the transition stage when the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters. They can also appear postpartum as your body readjusts hormonally and physically. This article will explain why they occur, when to expect them, and what healthcare experts say about managing them.
Dr. Jennifer Ashton, OB-GYN and Chief Medical Correspondent for ABC News, notes that labor shakes are a normal reaction to hormonal surges and the intense work of childbirth. But there’s much more to understand about the timing, causes, and ways to stay comfortable when they strike.
Let’s dive deeper into the science and expert advice behind labor shakes so you know exactly what to expect.
Is It Normal to Have Continued Shaking or Postpartum Chills?
Yes, it is normal for some mothers to experience continued shaking or postpartum chills even after the baby is born. This typically happens in the hours immediately following delivery.
These shakes are not usually a sign of something wrong—rather, they are the body’s way of rebalancing after the intense physical effort of labor.
Postpartum chills often:
- Last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.
- Occur whether you had a vaginal birth or a cesarean section.
- Happen even in a warm room because they are not caused by temperature changes alone.
Common contributing factors include:
- Hormonal fluctuations: Levels of adrenaline, oxytocin, and estrogen shift dramatically after birth.
- Physical exertion: Your body has been through hours of intense muscular work.
- Blood circulation changes: Blood volume and pressure adjust rapidly after the placenta is delivered.
If shaking is accompanied by fever, rapid heartbeat, or other signs of infection, you should notify your healthcare provider immediately. But for most women, these chills are harmless and resolve without intervention.
When Do Labor Shakes Start?
Labor shakes can begin at various points in the childbirth process, and their timing differs from one mother to another. Here’s what you might expect:
- Early Labor: Some women notice subtle trembling as contractions become stronger, though this is less common.
- Transition Phase: The most frequent onset of labor shakes occurs during transition—the intense stage right before pushing—when cervical dilation reaches 8–10 centimeters.
- Immediately After Birth: Many women experience a full-body shake once the baby is delivered, often within the first 30 minutes postpartum.
- During Recovery: Shakes may reappear intermittently in the first couple of hours after delivery.
It’s important to note that the start time depends on factors like labor speed, medical interventions, and your body’s stress response. Epidurals, for example, can sometimes increase the likelihood of postpartum chills due to body temperature regulation changes.
What Causes Shaking During Labor and Delivery?
The exact cause of labor shakes isn’t fully understood, but experts agree they are primarily linked to the body’s physiological and hormonal responses to childbirth. The most common causes include:
- Adrenaline Surge: As labor intensifies, the body produces adrenaline to help you cope with stress and pain. This spike can trigger involuntary muscle tremors.
- Oxytocin Fluctuations: This “love hormone” drives contractions and helps the uterus contract after birth, but sudden changes in levels can contribute to shivering.
- Pain and Exhaustion: Continuous muscle contractions and prolonged effort can fatigue your body, making it prone to shaking.
- Temperature Regulation Changes: During labor, the hypothalamus (your body’s thermostat) may become temporarily imbalanced.
- IV Fluids or Medications: Certain drugs and fluids used during labor can alter your body’s temperature perception, leading to chills.
While it can feel unsettling, shaking is generally benign and self-limiting—a sign that your body is working hard and adjusting to massive internal changes.
What Stage of Labor Do You Get the Shakes?
Shaking most often occurs during transition, the third stage of labor (in obstetric terms, the end of the first stage). This is when:
- Cervical dilation reaches 8–10 cm.
- Contractions are at their most intense and close together.
- You may feel emotional shifts, such as sudden irritability or fear.
However, shaking can also happen:
- During the pushing stage as adrenaline peaks before delivery.
- Right after the placenta is delivered, when your body is flooded with relief and hormonal shifts.
- In the recovery period, particularly if you’ve had interventions like an epidural or C-section.
Many healthcare providers reassure mothers that shaking is a natural sign of progress—your body is gearing up for, or responding to, one of its most physically demanding tasks.
Commonly Asked Questions about When Do Labor Shakes Start (FAQs)
How a Doula Can Help During Labor Shakes?
A doula eases labor shakes with calming techniques, positioning tips, and emotional support. Unlike a CNM (certified nurse-midwife), they don’t deliver babies but enhance comfort and advocacy.
What are labor shakes?
Labor shakes are involuntary tremors or shivers that some women experience during labor. They can occur at various stages of labor, particularly during the transition phase, when the body is under significant stress and hormonal changes are taking place.
When do labor shakes start during the childbirth experience?
Labor shakes often begin during the transition stage of labor, which is the final phase before the baby is born. This stage can be intense, and the shaking may last for a few minutes as the body prepares for delivery.
What causes shaking during labor?
The shaking experienced during labor can be attributed to several factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and changes in body temperature. These physiological responses can lead to an uncontrollable shaking or shivering sensation.
Are labor shakes normal?
Yes, it is common to shake during labor. Many women report experiencing this phenomenon, and it is generally considered a normal response to the intense physical and emotional demands of childbirth.
How long do labor shakes last?
Labor shakes can last for several minutes, often occurring during the intense uterine contractions of the transition stage. They may persist until the baby is born, and sometimes even for a short period after delivery.
Can an epidural affect labor shakes?
While an epidural anesthesia can help manage pain during labor, it may also influence the experience of labor shakes. Some women report shaking less when they receive an epidural, while others still experience tremors due to the body’s natural responses to labor.
What happens immediately postpartum regarding shaking?
After the baby is born, many women continue to experience shaking due to the rapid release of hormones like oxytocin and the body’s adjustment to the immediate postpartum phase. This can include feelings of exhilaration, vomiting, or stress, which may trigger further tremors.
How can I manage shaking during labor?
To manage shaking during labor, it is essential to stay warm and comfortable. Using warm blankets can help regulate body temperature and provide a sense of security. Additionally, having a supportive doula or midwife can assist with coping strategies and emotional support during this time.
Is it possible to stop shaking during labor?
While it may be challenging to completely stop shaking during labor, focusing on relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and maintaining a calm environment can help manage the sensation. It’s important to remember that shaking is a normal part of the labor process and typically resolves after childbirth.
What is the primary reason for skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth?
Skin-to-skin contact stabilizes the newborn’s heartbeat, temperature, and breathing, while boosting bonding and breastfeeding. It also reduces stress for both mother and baby. Essential for early health!
What are the side effects of inducing labor?
Inducing labor may cause stronger contractions, fetal distress, or C-section if unsuccessful. Side effects include nausea, uterine hyperstimulation, or infection. Always weigh risks with your doctor first.
Conclusion
Labor shakes can take new moms by surprise, but they are almost always a normal, healthy part of childbirth. Whether they start in early labor, during transition, or postpartum, these tremors are your body’s way of coping with the stress, hormonal surges, and exertion of giving birth.
If you experience labor shakes, remember:
- They are temporary and often resolve within an hour postpartum.
- They are not usually dangerous unless accompanied by fever or other concerning symptoms.
- Staying warm, practicing breathing techniques, and having emotional support nearby can make them easier to manage.
By knowing when labor shakes start and what causes them, you’ll be better prepared to meet them calmly—focusing instead on the beautiful moment you’re about to experience: meeting your baby.
Recommended posts
- Pain Scale for Labor: What to Expect from Start to Birth
- How Long Does Prodromal Labor Last: Hours, Days, or Longer?
- What to Expect in Labor and Delivery Room: (For New Moms)
- Postpartum Chills After 1 Week: What’s Normal & What’s Not
- Is Baby Very Active Before Labor Normal or a Sign to Watch?
