Labour

Your labour may start with irregular contractions (i.e. 5-10 minutes apart, of variable length). Though these may be uncomfortable, or for some painful, the optimal place for you and your baby to be at this stage is at home, resting and staying well hydrated as your body prepares for real labour to begin.
Early labour contractions (once called ‘false labour’), are needed to do the groundwork for the dilating phase that will come later. During this time; your’ baby will be descending into a better position, your cervix can start softening and thinning, and yo.ur body will start producing the endorphins that will help you cope with the pain. Early labour may last for several hours, several days, or may even stop completely. If your water has not broken, try laying in the bathtub on your side (so the belly is underwater), as this can help you relax.

When do I need to speak to my midwife?
Your midwife will want to evaluate you and your baby when you are entering the active phase of labour. This is the point when your cervix will begin to dilate from the contractions. Active labour is defined as contractions at least 3-4 minutes apart lasting 60 seconds, with cervical dilation of 3-4cm

Coping with early labour tips

• Sleep! Gravol or Tylenol may be used every 4-6 hours.
• If daytime, do your best to ignore the contractions, go for walks, but rest between activities
• Stay well hydrated-Drink plenty of liquids, Gatorade, or juice
• EAT! Stick to easily digested foods

Page your midwives (1-800-805-9363)

For one to two hours, regardless of position, all of your contractions are:

• 3-4 minutes apart or less (from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction
• Lasting at least 45-60 seconds
• Increasingly painful

*Most women have difficulty speaking during true labour contractions, cannot do normal activities, and must stop what they are doing to breathe through each contraction .

What if my water breaks?

About 10% of the time the bag of waters will break before labour starts. It may be a slow, steady trickle or a large gush. Unlike urine or vaginal secretions, amniotic fluid will not gush just once, but will continue to trickle down your legs or soak a large pad (not a panty liner).
After your waters have broken you should NOT take baths, have intercourse, or use tampons. It is not always necessary to intervene immediately; vaginal exams increase your baby’s risk of infection, and as such, are ideally avoided.

Who should page IMMEDIATELY if the water breaks:

• If you are LESS than 37 weeks pregnant
• If you screened positive for Group B Strep
• If the waters are green or brown
• If your midwife has specifically asked you to-because the fetal head is high
• If fetal movements are not felt within 1 hour (try laying down with your hands on your belly)
• If you are having active labour contractions every 3-4 minutes

If none of the above apply to you (i.e. the fluid is clear, you are greater than 37 weeks, you are group B strep negative, and not having contractions every 3-4 minutes), there is no need for immediate intervention. It may take several hours for active labour to begin.

Bleeding

In the days before labour begins, a small amount of BRIGHT RED bleeding is normal, and is called ‘show’. You may need to wear a panty-liner and change it regularly. This is normal bleeding/show. Soaking maxi-pads and/or passing clots (larger than a penny), is NOT normal; you should page immediately if this should occur.
PASSING THE MUCOUS PLUG is NOT a sign of imminent labour, and does not pose a risk to you or your baby.

Timing contractions

Contraction Start Time	Contraction End Time	Length of Contraction	Frequency of Contractions
12:00:00	12:01:00	60 seconds	–
12:05:00	12:06:00	60 seconds	Every 5 minutes
12:09:00	12:10:00	60 seconds	Every 4 minutes

You are always welcome to contact us if you are concerned.