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Q&A: Why Do You Get Chills During Labor?

Why do you get chills during labor?
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Updated March 2, 2017
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Chills or shaky, jittery feelings during labor are very common. Usually they happen as a woman is going through transition — that’s when her cervix is dilated about eight or nine centimeters — or sometimes it happens after delivery.

The chills are probably caused by a number of things that are happening — an endorphin release, body temperature changes and/or a reaction to anesthesia. The chills tend to go away about a half hour after labor.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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