Labor Notes
Before Labor Begins - (1-3 weeks before delivery)
How you may feel:
- Baby may drop lower in the pelvis.
- You may have more Braxton-Hicks (pre-labor) contractions.
- Your weight may level off or you may lose weight.
- You may have a burst of energy.
- You may have a little more vaginal discharge.
- You may need to urinate more often.
What you should do:
- Take a nap each day and go to bed early each night (labor is easier when you are rested).
- Pack clothes for you and baby.
- Have your family help with housework.
Early Labor - (Cervix 0-3 centimeters dilated; contractions 5-20 minutes apart and usually lasting 30-45 seconds)
How you may feel:
- You may feel excited, talkative.
- Contractions are easier.
What you should do:
- Begin relaxation (shower, nap, listen to music).
- Urinate often to keep your bladder empty so baby can move down.
- Drink clear liquids only (juices: apple/grape/cranberry; other: sprite, ginger ale, popsicles).
- Do not eat food unless your doctor or clinic says it is okay.
- Partner can time contractions (from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next).
Call your doctor or midwife or clinic. It may be time to go to the hospital when:
- contractions have been 5 minutes apart for 1 hour (sooner if you have a history of fast labors), OR
- you are leaking fluid from your vagina, or having vaginal bleeding, OR
- the doctor or midwife tells you to come in
Active Labor- (Cervix 4-7 centimeters dilated; contractions 2-5 minutes apart and usually lasting 45-60 seconds)
How you may feel:
- You may have to concentrate more during contractions.
- Usually not as talkative.
What you should do:
- Continue to rest.
- Take a short walk inside if allowed.
- Urinate often to keep your bladder empty so baby can move downward more easily.
- Go to the Hospital when ready.
- Partner can give massage, pace your breathing, give ice chips; help you to focus on relaxation.