Feeling those first twinges and wondering if it’s the real deal? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Today, we’re diving into the exciting (and sometimes confusing) world of early labor.
We’ll chat about the signs, symptoms, and what you can do to stay comfortable and informed as your body preps for the main event – bringing your little one into the world! So get comfy and let’s demystify those early labor jitters together.
Follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over 650k for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!
What is early labor?
Early labor can be classified as the stage in which your cervix is changing from 0 to about 4 centimeters dilated…I say that with a grain of salt though.
I’ve seen patients come to the hospital just sitting at 4, 5, or even 6 cm that aren’t out of early labor just yet. More than dilation, this first stage of labor depends on your contraction pattern.
Unfortunately, this stage can last for HOURS or even DAYS for some first-time mamas. In fact, don’t expect to get admitted to the hospital (unless undergoing an induction) if you are still in early labor.
This time in early labor is best spent resting. Prepare your body for what’s about to come because once we head to the next stage…there’s not too much rest going on (sorry to be the bearer of bad news, just keepin’ it real.)
What does early labor feel like?
If you have found yourself asking the question, “am I in labor?” you certainly aren’t alone. It can be hard, for a lot of women, to determine whether or not they are in early labor.
Here are some common, early labor signs to look out for:
Mild, irregular contractions
Early labor usually consists of somewhat painful contractions that most women just can’t ignore. These contractions CAN be regular but usually are more irregular in frequency.
These can feel like menstrual cramps, lower back pain, or abdominal tightening. They might come and go, lasting about 30-45 seconds with 5-30 minutes of rest in between.
Bloody show or change in vaginal discharge
A change in your discharge, such as a thick glob of clear, pinkish, brownish, or bloodstained mucus, could be your mucus plug dislodging. You may also experience more discharge than usual.
Pro tip, losing your mucus plug alone is not enough reason to go to the hospital. While it can be a sign that your body is getting ready, some women lose their mucus plug days or weeks before actually going into labor.
Nesting
Nesting is essentially an overwhelming desire to get your house ready for baby! Some mamas deep clean the entire house, paint, or organize cabinets and closets! Others just want to arrange baby’s clothes in a drawer and get the nursery ready – the both count as nesting.
How long does early labor last?
Don’t shoot the messenger – early labor can last hours or even days for some (not all) first time mamas.
Many women get excited about labor starting and want to immediately head to their birthplace. I’m here to tell you not to do that. Chances are they won’t admit you and you’ll be making the trip back home.
Instead, start taking note of when your contractions started and roughly how long they’re lasting (a good task for your partner!) There’s no need to constantly time them just yet but getting an idea of where things are will help you notice when they start getting closer together and more intense, aka go time!
Things to do in early labor
The biggest thing is to rest, rest, rest as much as you can! I know it sounds crazy and impossible but trust me, you are going to need that energy later. If resting or sleeping isn’t on the agenda, you might want to try some of these things to distract yourself and let your body relax:
- Take a warm bath (as long as your water isn’t broken)
- Take a stroll around the neighborhood
- Get a pedicure or manicure
- Watch a movie
- Read a book
- Bake or cook something
How to speed up early labor?
Early labor can be the pits and nobody got time for it! At the end of the day, the only thing that is going to put you into real, active labor is your body and your baby being ready!
However, if you are looking for things to try to speed up early labor, you are in the right place. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk and / or you have any complications be sure to check with your OB provider before doing any of these things.
Miles Circuit
The Miles Circuit is a three step sequence that is designed to get baby into a left occiput anterior (LOA) position, the optimal position for birth. When completed in its full capacity, the Miles Circuit takes about 90 minutes.
The idea is that if baby is in a more optimal position it will be easier to descend into the pelvis. This allows for more pressure on the cervix which hopefully leads to dilation!
Curb Walking
Curb walking is when you walk with one foot up on the curb and the other on the road or sidewalk. You’ll notice a larger shift in your body weight as you take each step, forcing you to have an uneven gait.
As your body weight and your baby moves side to side, this can help open up a little more space in your pelvis to create room for baby to turn slightly and move down on your cervix – whoop!
It works similarly to deep lunges, squats, and doing figure 8s on your yoga ball! Anything to shift baby around can help to engage baby further down!
Nipple Stimulation
Massaging your nipples releases the hormone oxytocin in the body. Wondering the best way to do this? Pick your “tool” (breastpump, your partner, your hands) and stimulate one breast at a time. Limit constant stimulation to 5 minute intervals and wait 15 minutes in between.
Be sure to pause for contractions and resume stimulation in between. Stop nipple stimulation once your contractions are 5 minutes apart and increasing in strength. For the purposes of labor induction, do not use this one prior to 39 weeks!
How far apart are contractions in early labor?
One of the big things with contractions in early labor is that they typically are quite irregular. Early labor contractions can be anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes apart and last about 30 – 60 seconds (give or take.)
You might even have a long run of contractions that are 4 or 5 minutes apart and you start thinking, “this is it,” only for it to be followed by them spacing back out or even just stopping all together.
As labor progresses and you get closer to active labor, you can expect your contractions to get more regular and more intense.
When to head to the hospital?
Let me start by saying your provider will dictate what’s best for YOU based on your history, distance from the hospital, etc. This isn’t a one size fits all answer, if you are unsure or need clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider.
Lots of providers give a 4-1-1 contraction guideline to know when to head in. This means that you’re having contractions every 4 minutes that last 1 minute for at least 1 hour. This is a very basic guideline though. Instead of getting so hung up on frequency and duration, I want to advise you to rely more on the intensity of your contractions.
If you feel like you’re having trouble speaking and are really having to breathe through those contractions or you’re starting to have certain physical symptoms (nausea/vomiting/sweating)- it doesn’t matter how long (or not long) you’ve been having contractions and how long they are lasting – just GO!
Along with that, especially if you are planning to not get an epidural, I REALLY want you to rely on other symptoms of labor – you’re shaking, vomiting, sweating, you don’t really want to move, and you’re hurting so bad you can’t stand it anymore – THEN leave for the hospital!
Looking for more?
Early labor can be a whirlwind of emotions and sensations, but armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate this exciting phase of your birth journey.
Remember, every labor is unique, and your experience may differ from the textbook definition. Trust your body, listen to your intuition, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your OB provider if you have any questions or concerns. Before you know it, you’ll be holding your precious little one in your arms! You’ve got this, mama!
I just love sharing birth education with you guys…which is why I have put together hundredssss of blog articles and nearly as many podcast episodes for you. And just in case you’ve missed it, I have several other freebies plus online birth courses.
You can learn more about any and all of the resources mentioned above by visiting my website. For easier and faster access, I’m linking my favorite freebies below!
