Early to Active Labor
Labor has begun! It’s happening…you’re about to meet your baby!
You and your partner are excited, anxious and full of adrenaline. What do you do now? Whether it is your first birth experience or your third it is best to get as much rest and/or sleep, as your body will allow as you begin to prepare yourself for the birthing experience. Recent studies have reported that active labor does not truly begin until you are at least 4cm dilated; if not 6cm dilated. During early labor contractions are typically 5 to 20 minutes apart and last 30 to 45 seconds in duration. Early labor is the perfect time to review comfort measures. Remember mama’s – the hip squeeze is money! And partner’s remember that the hip squeeze is not a one and done…it can go on for a while, so be ready to apply a lot of pressure if it is desired. Other things to do during early labor include: going for a walk, changing positions often, alternate activities with periods of rest, take a bath and most importantly try to put all your anxieties aside and rest so that you are prepared for when the labor becomes more intense. First time labor can last up to 24 hours…I don’t know about you guys, but my days of staying up all day and night have sadly passed and my body needs rest to be productive. Take advantage of any “downtime” that you have and prepare for later stages of birth.
Take a second and post a comment on what you have done…or plan to do during your early labor.
All the best, Nicole
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