Labor shakes, also known as postpartum tremors or rigors, are a common and often surprising physical reaction that occurs during or immediately following childbirth. This involuntary shivering can range from mild chattering of the teeth to intense, full-body shaking. While the experience can be startling, it is usually a normal and temporary bodily response to the dramatic physical and hormonal changes associated with delivery.
The Typical Duration of Labor Shakes
The duration of labor shakes is short-lived, with most episodes resolving spontaneously without medical intervention. For most people, the shaking begins right after delivery or within the first hour postpartum, though it can also occur during the final, active stage of labor. Most postpartum chills, including those linked to a cesarean section or an epidural, typically disappear within 20 to 30 minutes.
It is rare for this shivering to persist for more than one hour after delivery, regardless of the method of birth. If a person experiences shaking during the transition phase of labor, which is the period leading up to full cervical dilation, it is often brief and related to the peak intensity of contractions and the surge of hormones.
Physiological Causes of Shaking
The precise mechanism that causes labor shakes is not fully understood, but several biological factors contribute to this reaction. A rapid shift in core body temperature is a leading theory, often occurring as the body’s internal thermostat adjusts to the sudden changes that follow delivery. Even if the room temperature feels comfortable, the body may have experienced heat loss during labor, triggering a shivering response to generate warmth.
Hormonal fluctuations also play a significant part, particularly the release and subsequent drop of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones surge during the intensity of labor, and their rapid rebalancing post-delivery can lead to involuntary physical reactions, including tremors. Furthermore, the use of regional anesthesia, such as an epidural, can contribute to shaking by affecting temperature regulation. The anesthetic causes blood vessels to widen, redistributing warm blood from the core to the extremities, which initiates shivering as a response.
Immediate Comfort Measures
Since labor shakes are a temporary response, the focus is on providing immediate comfort to the person experiencing them. The most common and effective measure is the application of warm blankets, which helps mitigate the feeling of intense cold and aids the body in re-regulating its temperature.
Adjusting the room temperature can also offer relief, although the shaking is often an internal process independent of the environment. Focusing on slow, controlled breathing techniques can sometimes help the person relax and ride out the episode. Remaining as relaxed as possible is helpful, especially for those who have had a cesarean section, since straining against the involuntary movement could cause discomfort at the incision site.
When Shaking Signals a Concern
While labor shakes are overwhelmingly normal, there are specific situations where shivering should prompt immediate medical evaluation. Shaking accompanied by a fever, defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, is a red flag for a potential infection. This combination of symptoms may indicate a postpartum infection that requires prompt treatment.
Normal labor shakes are rarely accompanied by symptoms like severe abdominal pain, heavy, foul-smelling vaginal bleeding, or an altered mental status. If the shaking persists for longer than one hour after delivery or if it recurs frequently after leaving the hospital, it is prudent to discuss this with a healthcare provider.