True Labor information at iVillage Pregnancy & Parenting
I am eight months pregnant. I've been told to stay at home as long as possible during labor to maximize my comfort, but I'm scared I will wait too long. How can we know it's the real thing so we can get to the hospital on time?
Question:Peg Plumbo CNM
Peg Plumbo has been a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) since 1976. She has assisted at over 1,000 births and currently teaches in the... Read more
Consider hiring a doula. A doula, or labor support person, hired during pregnancy, can come to your home and provide quiet reassurance that labor is progressing normally. A skilled doula can also help you decide when the time is right to head to the hospital or birth center.
Don't rely on cervical dilation and effacement as absolute guides. Internal exams in late pregnancy cannot tell you unequivocally when you'll go into labor. They can help you know how much of the early work of labor has been done, so once you're in labor you might have a better idea whether to hit the road early, or hang out at home. For example, if you are three centimeters, 100 percent effaced and the baby's head is engaged, you could start for the hospital as soon as your contractions become regular. On the other hand, if your cervix is long, thick and closed and your baby's head is not engaged, you'd be safe staying home a longer time.
Look at your contractions. Active labor is consistent, persistent and intense. Active dilatation occurs when contractions are intense and the interval is two to three minutes apart. The contractions of false labor tend to be irregular -- they vary in intensity, come and go and activity changes the nature of the labor. True labor will only become more regular. A common guideline is to leave home when the contractions are five minutes apart and of sufficient intensity you will need to focus in order to work with them.
If you think you're in early labor, eat a light meal and rest. Enjoy a meal of nourishing, easily digestible food and go to bed! Fatigue is the biggest enemy of the laboring couple -- and they may not feed you when you get to the hospital.
Follow your instincts. If you feel it's time for you to be checked, then head to the hospital or birth center. You may need the reassurance that things are progressing normally or you may be comforted just by hearing your baby's heart tones.
Know when to call for help. If you are concerned about the way labor is progressing or you have any leakage of fluids you should call your care provider right away to let them know what's happening.
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