So now down to business! The biggest question I get is "How do I know when I am in labor?" The answer "Oh you'll know!" doesn't always work very well so I'm going to try and give a little more depth into a summary of labor and what sensations happen during labor.
Pre-Labor aka Braxton Hicks(BH) Contractions
BH Contractions are usually irregular when they come and you'll generally notice them and be a little uncomfortable and feel a tightening in your stomach. These contractions will be random in how long they last and in how much time passes between each one. BH contractions are preparing your body, uterus, and baby for active labor. While good for a warm up, these contractions don't make changes to your cervix and can sometimes be brought on by thirst, hunger or stress. So when you feel contractions come on, grab a drink and a snack and try to relax and if all else fails, take a nap!
Right now you may feel excited to feel these contractions and then possibly discouraged when they go away but don't worry the real deal will come soon, your body is still prepping you. Take this time to be in the moment enjoying your pregnancy and the amazing things your body does!
Early Labor (First Stage)
Remember when we told you to eat, drink, and rest? Well if you are having early labor contractions they won't subside with any of these. These will also come more regularly, anywhere from 5-10 minutes but consecutively the same amount of time and about 30-45 seconds in duration. You'll feel a lot more cramp like sensations in your stomach and during the contractions your stomach will be hard to the touch.
When timing contractions you want to start your count from the beginning of the contraction to the beginning of the next contraction for the frequency, from the beginning of the contraction to the end of the contraction for duration. While you may feel the urge to constantly time the contractions it isn't entirely necessary. You'll want to time some contractions when the first start to come regularly or if there is a dramatic change in the frequency of contractions or if you're due to call and check in with your care provider in the next 30 minutes or so.
Right now you may still feel happy and excited about being so close to meeting your baby. You'll be getting the "This is it!" thoughts and feeling confident and prepared. Be patient with this part of labor those first 6 centimeters of dilation take time!
Active Labor (First Stage)
Now your contractions are picking up. These will also be consistent and in the 3-5 minutes apart range and lasting about 45-60 seconds, they're definitely stronger. You're contractions at this point should be strong enough that you're unable to do anything during them because you're body is working that hard to produce the necessary changes for the delivery of your baby. You're probably not hungry at this point but remember to stay hydrated!
During this time you really are going to want to work on establishing a routine for coping with these contractions. It's a good time to make sure you've made contact with your provider and if you didn't have your doula already now is definitely a good time to welcome her to your birth space so she can help you get a good routine going and encourage your partner to support you.
Emotionally, this can be a rough time. Sudden noises and bright lights can be disruptive to you as your senses are heightening. Try to stay relaxed as possible and change positions frequently until you find what works best for you.
Transition
You'll feel overwhelmed, a sense of "I can't do this" but in reality you ARE doing it and you are strong. If you really feel stressed, remember to breathe, be in the moment and be willing to feel and work through your contractions. If you feel you can't do it then don't, just let the contractions happen. Pushing is right around the corner!
Second Stage Labor
I sometimes see two parts to second stage and sometimes they roll into one. Here is where the calm before delivery happens. Your contractions will space out a little and you may find yourself sleeping in between them. you'll definitely still feel the pressure and tightening during the contractions and maybe feel the urge to push right away and maybe not.
Sometimes you get this break before the actual urge to push comes and sometimes as soon as you come out of transition you'll feel the urge to push. This is the time where I like to remind women you don't have to push just because you're fully dilated. Wait for the sensations to come and tell your care provider when you're ready to push.
Some women feel relief that the urge to push has come and some are afraid that it's getting to be time to push. Again, I say be willing to feel it, be in that moment. You're doing great and an amazing little baby will be in your arms soon!
Third Stage Labor
Congratulations! You just birthed an incredible little life into this world! While this is an amazing time, you're not quite done yet. Your placenta is delivered next but this generally does not require as much effort. You will still be having contractions but not nearly as intense and you may have an urge to push to birth your placenta but not all women do. Nursing your newborn will help stimulate these contractions to bring out your placenta and then you're done! You will still have some cramps when breastfeeding for a few days as your uterus returns to it's normal state but you made it through labor and delivery. Your job now is to enjoy your new little family.
Each pregnancy and labor is unique. I've seen slow and steady transitions through the stages, stop and go transitions and some women race through each stage so fast I couldn't believe my eyes and maybe missed when each stage happened but every one is beautiful.
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