what should i do in early labor?
You wake in the middle of the night to a cramping sensation low and deep in your pelvis. It subsides after about thirty seconds and you make a quick trip to the bathroom. Just as you’re getting comfortable in bed, you feel it again - this time accompanied by a mild backache. You reorganize your support pillows and wonder what you could have eaten to cause this sort of upset. As the feeling passes some thirty seconds later (again) it suddenly hits you - could these be contractions? Excitement grips you as you wonder and hope that this is the beginning of labor.
Early labor is often considered by the medical field to be when your cervix is 0-5 centimeters dilated. Those of us who are proponents of spiritual birth know that this can begin weeks before the true onset of labor and varies depending on the individual. True labor surges often feel very different from the Braxton-Hicks contractions that are common in the last few weeks (or months) of pregnancy.
If clients contact me and they are unsure whether or not they are feeling the real thing, my first suggestion is to drink a big glass of water and lie down for a while. If the surges slow down or halt, it might not be time. If they increase in intensity and frequency, that’s a good sign that you are on the path to Laborland. My second suggestion would be to do what feels good and follow your instincts. For those that want a more concrete answer, here are a few ideas for what to do in early labor.
Sleep or rest. This is the big one, but it can also be one of the hardest things to do. You’re excited to meet your baby, after all! Many people are surprised to learn that early labor can last anywhere from a couple hours to a couple days. It is vital to get as much rest as you can. Sleep if it’s nighttime, take a nap if it’s daytime, and rest between activities. Your body will thank you. Advise your partner to do the same.
Stay hydrated and nourished. It’s important to keep your body fed and watered during early labor - you wouldn’t fast the day before a marathon would you? To keep your energy up, try and eat light meals that include complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats - think quinoa, whole grain toast or crackers, eggs, yogurt, and nut butters. As labor progresses, keep sources of natural sugars like fruit and honey sticks on hand. Your partner and doula can help remind you to drink one cup of liquid every hour, such as plain water or apple juice. Don’t forget to pee! A full bladder can impede progress and increase feelings of pain, as it is located directly under the uterus.
Don’t obsess over the pattern (or lack thereof). Easier said than done, I know, but I highly recommend not timing your surges right away. Acknowledge that they’re happening, but try to go about your day as usual. Consider baking some cookies for the nursing staff or a birthday cake for your baby. Do some light cleaning like dusting or sweeping and maybe finish one more load of laundry. Work on a puzzle or play cards or a board game with your partner. When you can no longer distract yourself or talk through the surges, that’s a good indicator to start timing. Try timing for an hour and then taking a break for an hour.
Remain active. This seems to run counter to suggestion number one, doesn’t it? While it is important to rest and conserve your energy, light activities like going on a walk, stairs, dancing, and bouncing on an exercise ball can help keep baby low and engaged in your pelvis. Things like slow dancing also have the added bonus of boosting your oxytocin levels, which encourages your uterus to contract. Do make sure you are resting between activities, though.
Have a date night and spend some intimate time with your partner. This could be the last date night you have for quite a while, so embrace the opportunity! Go out to eat at a nearby restaurant and maybe hit up some stores on the way home. If you’re up for it and your water hasn’t broken, spend some time being intimate with your partner, too. Sex, especially if you orgasm, is a great way to boost your oxytocin levels and encourage contractions. Prostaglandins in semen also help ripen your cervix!
Set the mood and enjoy yourself. Set up some candles or string lights, bust out your favorite essential oils, and sink into a warm bath. If reclining isn’t comfortable, take a shower with the jet aimed at your lower back. Work on some simple mindfulness exercises like this breath awareness meditation or a body scan meditation. These can help calm your nervous system and connect you to your body. Recruit your partner to massage your shoulders, back, or legs. Much more of labor is spent in a state of rest than contraction. The goal should be to enjoy the rest between the surges.
Listen to your body. If you are hungry, eat. If you are thirsty, drink. If you are tired, rest. Let the sensations you feel drive your movement. Above all else, trust yourself.
