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Angela England
BellaOnline's Pregnancy Editor

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Tips for Managing Early Labor

Early first stage labor can last for several hours, which may sound scary at first, until a mother remembers that early labor contractions are usually very mild and spaced further apart. You aren't considered to be "in labor" (meaning active labor) until 4 cm so before that point there is little reason to leave for a birthing center, hospital or have the midwife present.

Unless you have reason to suspect a fast labor, the ACOG recommendation is for mothers in early labor to remain at home. The ACOG Education Pamphlet "You and Your Baby" says, " While you wait at home, rest if you can. Some women may find it more comfortable to walk around or to take a shower or warm bath."

Often the best course of action is to continue on with a normal routine for as long as you feel comfortable. If there is a dad, partner, doula, or friend, they can help with distracting the mother.

Here are some other ideas for what a mother, and her partner, can do to help during early labor:

~ Eat and drink to stay well hydrated.
~ Watch a funny movie. Often keeping her mind focused on something else will allow the baby to get into a good position before active labor begins.
~ Encourage her to empty her bladder. A full bladder will cause more discomfort during the contractions.
~ Draw a bath or shower.
~ Go for a walk.
~ Put together a puzzle.
~ Play cards or a board game.
~ Clean up that one last area of the house that has been bugging you.
~ Take one last belly picture.
~ Make sure you've packed everything you need to pack if you will be leaving home for the birth.
~ Get out of the house! Sometimes a change of scenery is relaxing and I know one couple that went to a shopping mall during early labor for some window shopping. Just don't go too far from home in case the mother-to-be wants to come home and rest.

As you can see, much of early labor is helping the mother stay well-fed, well-rested and helping to prevent boredom or frustration while waiting for active labor to begin.

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The Nurturing Touch is a handbook with several ideas for how to help cope with labor.

Think Your Labor is Beginning?
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Content copyright © 2008 by Angela England. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Angela England. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Angela England for details.

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