Worrying about whether or not you are in real labor? This is a fact of life towards the end of pregnancy. Many women worry that every cramp or odd movement is labor. Sometimes the symptoms of late pregnancy will actually mask the signs of labor. If you have contractions that get stronger, longer and closer together - you are most likely in labor. Call your midwife or doctor for advice. Try to use the 411 method: Contractions four (4) minutes apart, lasting one (1) minute, for at least one (1) hour.
Once you have determined that you are in labor, your body will proceed in a certain fashion. You will have contractions, your cervix will efface and dilate and your baby will move down into birthing position and be born. The amount of time this takes varies widely from mother to mother and pregnancy to pregnancy. The average labor for a first time mom is about 12-18 hours.
3 Actual Signs of labor and 1 breathing technique:
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If you think you may be going into labor, don't hesitate to call your health care provider, regardless of what time it is day or night.
[Adapted from The Joy of Pregnancy, by Tori Kropp, R.N. Copyright © 2008, used by permission of The Harvard Common Press.]
You may be feeling uncertain of what you'll be doing while your partner is in labor. Your very presence will mean much to her. When I say presence, I mean that with words or actions or both, you convey to her that you are with her, all the way. You are not on the sidelines; you are beside her, providing encouragement, support, and reassurance.
You may be planning to be her sole moral supporter during labor and birth, and such intimacy can be a wonderful thing. Or the two of you may choose to have a friend, relative, or doula with you to provide comfort and reassurance. If you aren't comfortable providing all the moral support for your partner, planning for a helper may be a good idea. Women who have constant support in labor generally have shorter labors, describe their labors as being more manageable, and have birth experiences that are more positive.
There are many ways you will support your partner. Here are some especially helpful things that you can do for her:
To be with the person you love most as she gives birth to your child is a gift and an honor. It can also be a great source of stress. The most difficult part of a partner's role is feeling helpless. There will be times in the labor when you may wish to take away her pain or her work. Know that this is normal.