After the membranes rupture and the water breaks,
a woman may begin to experience the First Phase of labor, or Early labor.
The average time of early labor is extremely variable,
lasting anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. In rare cases, it can last up to 24 hours.
During this time, the pressure of repeated regular contractions
causes the cervix, which had been closed when labor began,
to open up to a diameter of 3 centimeters,
and at the same time, become much thinner.
Various techniques can be used to help alleviate the discomfort
a woman may experience during the first phase of labor
such as back-rubs and breathing exercises.