Tips for Early Labor
Early labor is typically the longest stage of a labor and it can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. For a first time birthing person, early labor lasts an average of 12-24 hours. Most hospitals will not admit the laboring person to the labor and delivery unit until they are in active labor (between 4-6 cm, dependent on the provider). Plus, most people are just more comfortable laboring at home in their own space. Staying home as long as possible will typically help labor progress and help minimize any unnecessary interventions.
Because early labor can be lengthy, this means there is usually quite of bit of laboring time to be done at home. Take a look at the ways we suggest people manage early labor.
Rest and Relax
We just can’t emphasize this enough. Most people will not be able to rest during later stages of labor so early labor is the time to get in the rest. Try to get as much rest as possible to store up those energy reserves. If labor begins at night-as it often does-try to go back to sleep. Even if you can’t sleep through those early contractions try to doze off in between….usually you have about 10-20 minutes between contractions during very early labor. If you find that you are too excited to sleep, get comfortable on the couch and read or watch a show or movie you’ve seen a million times (we recommend The Office). If labor begins during the day, take a nap! We promise you won’t sleep through having your baby.
Eat and Hydrate
Early labor is the time to eat a great meal. If that meal can be a great mix of protein and carbs, even better! Most people don’t typically want to eat once they are in more active labor and some providers may even limit the laboring person to clear liquids only once in active labor. The uterus, however, is a muscle and it needs to be fed as it works! Eat that big meal early in labor and plan some easy-on-the-tummy snacks for later in labor. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, too. Being dehydrated can irritate the uterus and actually cause painful contractions. Plus, your body is doing a lot of work during labor and needs the hydration. A great tip we tell labor support partners…offer a sip of water after every contraction. You may even consider coconut water or liquid IV packets to get an electrolyte boost.
Distraction is Key
We like to tell folks to ignore labor until they can’t. Early labor contractions are often far apart, short, and don’t stop you from what you are doing. Basically, go about your day or night until you can’t. If you are at home, this is a great time to add last minute things to the hospital bag, put together a freezer meal or two, and take a walk around the neighborhood. This also a great time to get a prenatal massage, a chiropractic adjustment, and/or a nice pedicure. Want to see a movie? This is a great time to do that….bonus points for a dark and cool movie theater with comfy recliner seats and food! We also don’t recommend timing these early labor contractions if you can still ignore them. Wait until you have to start breathing through them before you get out the contraction timer app. This will prevent you from feeling like you’ve been staring at the timer for days on end.
Use Comfort Measures
It’s not uncommon for folks to experience lower back pain in early labor. Getting in a warm bath or shower can help. A heating pad on the lower back can also feel really nice. If water breaks in early labor, go ahead and put on a comfortable pair of underwear and a pad…you will keep leaking amniotic fluid until baby is born, so you will be more comfortable if you feel like you are staying dry. Try listening to some guided meditation or progressive relaxation to help decrease any tension in the body. Empty your bladder at least once an hour to help lessen any irritation to your uterus and to help your baby get lower into your pelvis.
Follow these tips to help you relax in early labor and allow your body to progress to the next stage; you’ve got this!