Honey - It’s Time!: Recognize the onset of labor

If the is you first birth (or the first time you get to go into labor spontaneously) you might be anxiously anticipating that moment when you get to utter those classic TV words . . . “Honey! It’s Time!”. If only it was that easy to know if labor has started. Often, you won’t know exactly when labor started until you reflect back after labor is pretty advanced.

We’ve prepared this article to communicate about these early hours of labor and what you can do in those early hours.

Signs Labor Has Started

You’ve heard that “every labor is different”. So true! Which makes this whole topic a little vague. We’ll do our best to give you clear, actionable information. But, remember - your labor will be unique because you are unique.

• Most women start labor after 37-weeks and before 42-weeks

• Most of the time labor starts with mild cramp-like contractions that feel like the first day of an unusually uncomfortable period. They feel dull, achey, and start in the bottom of the pelvis between the pubic bone and tailbone.

• These contractions are different from other “warm up” contractions because they are “cramping & uncomfortable” not just “tightening & toning”.

• Only 10% of the time your amniotic fluid leaks / sac breaks before the first contraction.

Early Labor: 0 cm - 6 cm

• When labor is just starting, these cramp-like sensations usually last less than 1 minute, and the break is generally longer than 5-10 minutes.

• The intensity of the cramp-like sensations is pretty mild, so your energy will usually involve more “anxious energy - thoughts”.

• This part of labor can last 12-24 hours for a first-time mom; a more experienced mom may fly through this part of labor and hit Active labor very quickly. Only time will tell.

Your birth team will join you and be with you continuously after you reach 6 cm. Before 6 cm, in early labor, we are available to answer your questions, assess your labor if you want, and offer suggestions. However, we don’t stay with you for continuous labor support until you are in Active labor at 6 cm.

What you should do in Early Labor

Top priority: Rest. Exhaustion and fatigue make everything feel harder. When labor gets going, you’ll need all your reserves. You can take a small dose of Benadryl or drink 1/2 glass of wine to help get some sleep if you need it. Even if you don’t sleep “heavily” you will benefit from resting.

Second priority: When the cramps are intense enough that you can’t rest through them, your 2nd priority is to eat healthy snacks and sip on electrolyte water and other nourishing drinks.

Third priority: Make some sweet memories. You’ll remember these early hours of labor for the rest of your lifetime. Try to at least do a few things you will remember fondly. Go for a nice walk. Eat your favorite foods. Listen to your favorite playlist.

When you should call your midwife

• Call your midwife when contractions:

  • are intense enough that you can't sleep through them

  • are somewhat regular - coming at a predictable interval

  • are lasting about 45-50 seconds, followed by a break of 4-5 minutes.

• Call if your water breaks. Note the time, amount, color and odor (TACO) and call your midwife.

• Or call if you have any questions or concerns.

• If it’s night time (10 pm - 6 am) call if you are in active labor with contractions that * have a pattern * are coming every 5 minutes from start-to-start * are lasting roughly 1 minute * you have experienced this for at least 1 hour.

• If it’s daytime (6 am - 10 pm) call with active labor or questions. You can also send photos or ask less urgent questions as needed.

How to Call:

• Call Margie @ 469-643-9433.

  • If it goes to Voice mail, leave a quick message, hang up and call back a 2nd time

  • If I don’t call back within 15 minutes, call my backup midwife, Neta, at 512-921-1620.

• When we speak, we will decide whether to meet t the Birth Center for assessment, or if the midwifery team will come out to your home to assess you.

Here’s to a happy birthing day!