Understanding Early Labor
Early labor (also known as the latent phase of labor), is the first stage of labor. This is when the cervix begins to soften (ripen), thin (efface), and dialate (open). This when you will start to feel mild surges that can last hours or days. First time mom’s can expect a longer early labor.
Early labor is when surges begin to come at regular intervals, and become stronger. It could feel like a period cramp at first, but with more energy behind it. Typically, this is between 1-6 centimeters dialated and you may see bloody show (mucus and small amounts of blood.) As labor progresses my encouragement would be to focus more on opening and expansion of your body rather than surges. Surges are simply a symptom of expansion. Surges are a indication that your body holds winsdom to birth your body.
How do I know if I am in labor or Braxton Hicks?
Before we point out how to detect real labor, I feel it is important to note that labor is not purely physical. It is important to treat labor has a mental and spiritual process as well. In fact, if you are mentally tired, often times labor will not progress. Overthinking and tracking every little physical detail can cause stress and increase tension in your body.
One major difference between real and false labor is the persistence of surges. 98% of the time with false labor, a bath, snack, or good back rub will stop surges. With true labor, these things may help but they most likley won’t stop all together. If you suspect you may be in real labor, text or call me. As always if it is 9pm to 9am please call so I can be sure I will recieve your message.
Managing early labor:
Dont overthink it!!! That is the very first thing. If you are having consistent surges, that are not decreasing with a bath or back rub, than you are probably in labor my friend. If you aren’t sure, give me a call.
So what do you do?
Anything you would normally do. If you were planning on vacuum the house, go ahead (take it slow if you need to). I love the idea of baking during early labor, that way, while you are enjoying your newborn you can also enjoy the cookies you baked before they arrived. Garden, if you have one. Cuddle with your partner (oxytocin is your best friend), dance to your favorite song, laugh at your favorite movie, go through pictures of memories with your partner, have intercourse (if waters are intact. Ejaculation from partner is encouraged as it releases prostaglandins, which ripen the cervix). Taking a bath is always great, warm water, bring some candles in with you. If you suspect you are in labor in the middle of the night, continue to sleep when you can, the rest will be necessary. Even if you only get 15 minutes of rest between surges, it will add up. Take the short periods of sleep. Through all, keep body loose and relaxed. Loose shoulders, soft eyebrows, breathe full breaths.
Some notes:
If you feel scared during a surge, vocalize so that your partner can comfort you. As a doula, I will be in tune with how you feel.
Complaining will not help. Speak life over your body and your baby.
Ask for things you want. If you want water, a back rub, etc. Just ask if you are able!
Take in every moment, record if you desire. Take in moments with your partner. You only get to experience this a few times in your life, make the most of it. Cherish the details.
Remember you have a real baby that is getting ready to meet you! That’s who this is for!
Keep humor. As Ina Mya Gaskin says “If you can’t be a hero, you can at least be funny while being a chicken”
Remember that your body knows how to do this really well, even when your brain lies to you.
Keep bladder empty. Urinate at least every 2 hours or whenever needed. Sitting on toilet helps facilitate surges. I like to call it the dialation station.
Protect these moments. No one is obligated to know details of your labor, or even that you are in labor. Of course, if you want to share, you can, but only if you truly want to. Don’t worry about updating people, if they ask and you are not intrested in responding, then don’t.
Keep communication with me! Text, call, keep me in the loop. This is why I gather your partner’s phone number so I can contact if you are not in a place that you can.
