Guide to Birth: First Stage of Labor
Did you know that most couples spend more time working on their baby registry than they do preparing for labor?
They spend more time dreaming and setting up a nursery than educating themselves on birthing.
Do not fall into this category! Do not just walk into the two hour hospital class that covers a medicated birth, bathing/swaddling, and breastfeeding basics all in one breath.
You only have one shot at this pregnancy, this birth, and this baby’s infancy. You will make plenty of mistakes, but you want to have no regrets. Whether this is your first birth or your fifth, take the time to educate yourself.
Labor
Labor is not a wham-bam-thank-you-ma'm contraction and push-fest. Let's start with understanding that your partner should be prepared too. This will not only help you through labor, but it will bring the two of you closer than you thought you could be. There are wonderful books out there on birthing, and even if you don’t plan a natural birth, read like you are because you will learn more about the body and its capabilities.
There is no “normal” when it comes to labor. Doctors like to tell you that the average woman dilates at a centimeter an hour and then pushes for two hours. This is based on the curve of all women, meaning that very few are actually in this category and most fall on either side. No one can predict how fast or slow it will go.
Contractions may start, your water may break, or back pain may occur. These are the most common starts to labor. Wait, let me back up. You may also have a day of diarrhea, bloody show, a lost mucus plug, or a general sick feeling right before labor begins, but these could also not mean labor is starting (confusing, right?). So don’t read too far into any of these symptoms.
No matter how labor begins for you, you will be hit with a wave of emotions. Typically excitement hits you first. You want to call your partner home, tell your family, maybe even make your contractions “facebook official.” You may want to slow the announcing down. Birth is a marathon, not a sprint. Let’s not get overworked just yet.
1st Stage of Labor: Early Labor
Contractions: 10 minutes apart and consistent, lasting 45-60 seconds Do not leave for place of birth yet.
This is the 'putsy-putsy' stage. You should continue going about your daily routine and let the contractions come and go. You can call your partner, but let’s leave everyone else out of it for now.
Don't really call it labor until contractions are 10 minutes apart and consistent.
You may be anxiously cleaning, repacking your bag, prepping things for a homebirth, or just baking cookies, but remember to give in to each contraction and let it do its job. Some women can still talk and move through the contraction waves at this point, while others may be silent.
Make sure to eat something during this stage; you will need energy throughout the marathon ahead. During early labor, you may see blood in the toilet or in your underwear. This is known as the bloody show. There is absolutely no cause for alarm unless the bleeding is heavy and continuing, bloody show is normal (and also normal for it to NOT happen).
Contractions will typically last 45-60 seconds in length and progressively become more intense as labor advances. It may feel better to stay moving between contractions. The body is going through many changes at this point: the brain is noting antibodies needed in breastmilk to allow baby the exact right nutrients needed for this immediate environment, baby’s nervous system and lungs are being prepped with each contraction, the body is moving baby down into ideal positioning. If you are feeling tired at all, nap or rest. You are going to need all of your energy. If you are well rested, walk. Walking opens the inlet of the pelvis.
It is also completely normal for your adrenaline to stop labor at this point. Your emotions are a huge part of this experience. Do not become discouraged if contractions taper off; your body will start working toward labor again within the next few days (or sooner). Breathe, you will meet your baby soon.
Vintage Giraffe
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