Getting Ready for Labor
As your due date gets closer, focus on a few simple preparations.
Know Where You're Going
Pack Your Hospital Bag
How Will I Know I’m in Labor?
It isn’t always obvious at first. You may notice:
True labor contractions generally become more regular, closer together and stronger over time, while practice contractions may remain irregular or ease with rest or a change in activity.
Are they becoming stronger? Are they getting closer together? Are they continuing even when I change positions or rest? If you’re not sure whether you’re in labor, contact your maternity care team.
Your own provider should tell you when they want you to come to the hospital, because
recommendations can differ based on your pregnancy.
What Happens During Labor?
Early Labor
Contractions begin and your cervix starts changing. You may still be able to talk through contractions, walk around, rest, eat or drink if your care team permits, and stay comfortable at home if your provider says it is appropriate.
Active Labor
Contractions usually become stronger and closer together. You may need more concentration, breathing support, position changes, massage or counterpressure, and pain-management support.
Birth
As labor progresses, your healthcare team will guide you through pushing and delivery. After your baby arrives, your team will assess both you and your baby and support bonding and feeding when medically appropriate.
Comfort and Pain Relief
There is no prize for having a certain type of labor. Some parents want minimal medication. Others know they want an epidural. Some decide as labor progresses. All of those choices are valid.
Comfort Techniques
You may want to try:
- Walking
- Position changes
- Slow breathing
- Birth ball
- Massage
- Counterpressure
- Warm or cool comfort measures when appropriate
- Quiet music
- Support from your partner or birth companion
Medical Pain Relief
Options may include medications given through an IV and regional anesthesia such as an epidural. What is available will depend on your hospital, your medical circumstances and your care team.
Ask about your options before labor begins so you understand them before you need to decide.
Your Birth Preferences
My Birth Preferences
Think about what matters to you.
During Labor
After Baby is Born
When medically appropriate:
A birth preference sheet is a communication tool, not a guarantee. Labor can change quickly. Sometimes your healthcare team may recommend something different because of your health or your baby’s health. Being prepared also means understanding that the plan may change.
What About Induction?
Induction means using medications or other methods to start labor. Your provider may recommend induction for medical reasons or discuss it with you based on your pregnancy and gestational age. Methods can include preparing the cervix, medications that stimulate contractions or breaking the amniotic sac
If induction is being discussed, ask:
What If I Need a C-Section?
A Cesarean birth is surgery used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. It may be planned before labor or become necessary during labor for a variety of maternal or fetal reasons. If you have a C-section, you are still giving birth.
Your healthcare team can explain:
Different Birth. Same Goal. Sometimes the safest birth is different from the one you imagined. Understanding the possibilities ahead of time can make unexpected changes less frightening.
When Should I Call?
Your obstetric team should give you specific instructions. Contact them if:
- You think labor has started
- Your water may have broken
- You have vaginal bleeding
- You notice significantly decreased fetal movement
- You are having regular or painful contractions before your expected delivery period
- Something feels wrong or you are unsure what to do
For severe symptoms or an emergency, seek immediate medical care.
