Ready, Set, Not Yet
These last weeks of pregnancy sometimes seem to go forever. Contractions may get stronger at times and make you wonder if this could be it. Sometimes it's frustrating to come to the hospital with these labor pains, only to be sent home without a baby in your arms. Contractions may stop or your labor may be in its early stages.
This pre-labor period is helping your body get ready for the big day, but not yet. We recommend that during this early, pre-labor you find a comfortable place to relax.
Remind yourself that you will not be pregnant forever!
As contractions get stronger you may need added ways to cope with labor:
- Go for a walk
- Rock in a rocking chair
- Take a shower or bath
- Relax between contractions
- Change positions often
- Find someone to provide positive reinforcement and tell you what a good job you are doing
- Try slow, deep breathing
- Drink water, juice or other clear liquids
- Watch a movie
- Pray
- Call you labor coach or Doula
- Cool yourself with a washcloth dipped in ice water
- Use the bathroom often
- For a lower backache, try ice packs or heat, or switch between hot and cold: use a tennis ball, rolling pin or doorknob for counter pressure—move your pelvis
- Congratulate yourself for being such a patient new parent. Think of the baby coming down and out to meet you very soon.
When should you come to the hospital?
You should notify your provider of any or all of the following:
- When you are having contractions:
- 3-5 minutes apart, lasting for 45-60 seconds (if this is your first baby)
- 5-10 minutes apart, lasting 45-60 seconds (if this is not your first baby)
These contractions should be strong enough that you cannot walk or talk through them. They will be sharp and continue to get stronger and stronger. Your contractions should be consistent for at least one hour.
- When your water breaks
- This may occur as a sudden "gush" of fluid that you cannot control or just a trickle.
- Note the color and consistency of the fluid, and the time you first noticed it.
- When there are any signs of blood:
If vaginal exams have been done, a small amount of spotting is normal. However, if spotting continues, or if the bleeding is similar to a menstrual period, call and let us know.
- When there is a decrease in baby's activity from what is normal for your baby, please call us.
