Preparing for Labor and Delivery

Once you get closer to your delivery date your body will start preparing for your baby’s arrival.


False Labor

Before true labor begins you may feel your womb tighten up. This squeezing is called Braxton Hicks. It is also known as practice contractions or false labor pains. Your contractions are probably just practice contractions if they:

  • Are not painful.
  • Do not have a regular rhythm.
  • Are more than 10 minutes apart.
  • Go away after drinking two glasses of water or resting. Practice contractions are OK late in pregnancy.


   


Signs of Labor

There are signs that you are in true labor. Follow the instructions provided by your provider if you notice:

Contractions

Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, true contractions will get stronger and more frequent over time. You may feel your entire womb painfully squeezing with increased pressure in your lower pelvic area. Some people say they feel like a belt is getting tighter and tighter around them. If your contractions are less than 5 minutes apart and are getting more painful, this may mean that labor has begun.

Back Labor

You may feel pain in your lower back that is associated with the womb contracting or squeezing. This may be labor occurring in your back or back labor. This pain may also spread to your lower belly and legs.

Your Water Breaks (Ruptured Membranes)

This means that the bag of water around your baby or amniotic sac has broken. You may feel fluid coming from your vagina that continues even after you use the bathroom. It might be amniotic fluid if it does not smell like urine. Do not use a tampon, get in the tub or have intercourse if you think your water has broken. 



What Should I Do If I Think I’m In Labor?

Follow the instructions you and your provider have discussed during your prenatal appointments. Prepare to go to the hospital or birthing center.

Once you arrive in the hospital you will most likely:

  • Be sent to the labor and delivery unit.
  • Register.
  • Get checked by a nurse or OB provider.
  • Be taken to a room to have your baby if you are in active labor.

Based on your level of comfort, privacy from your accompanying support person is available during the check in process and examinations.

It is an emergency if you are having signs of labor and are more than 3 weeks before your due date. You could be in preterm labor. Seek medical attention immediately.



Managing Pain During Delivery

There are many different ways to control pain during childbirth. These help but will not get rid of all of your pain. Talk to your provider about what is right for you.

Non-medical Pain Relief

There are ways to help pain during labor without medications. Your hospital or birthing center can provide support if you choose not to use pain medication during delivery. This may include water therapy, breathing exercises, varying positioning to relieve pressure and relaxation methods. A labor support person can also help.

IV Pain Medication

Some pain medications can be given through a tube (IV) in your hand or arm. These take the edge off mild contractions. IV pain medications cannot be used when you are close to delivering because the medication can be passed on to the baby and it can make it hard for baby to breathe.

Epidural Anesthesia

An epidural is a way to give numbing medicines into the space outside your spinal canal. A tube is placed into this space through your lower back. You may feel numbness from your abdomen to your feet. This is a safe and effective method of pain control.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide is a gas that when breathed in helps reduce anxiety and ease pain. It’s effects last for a short period of time. Most people experience fewer side effects than with other medications. Check with your provider to make sure it is available where you plan to deliver if you are interested in this.

Local Anesthesia Nerve Block

Local anesthesia blocks pain in a small area of your body during labor. An injection is given into a nerve that relives pain around your vagina and rectum as your baby is being delivered.