Today during our second prenatal class we learnt about the first (latent) stage of labor (dilation around 1 cm), which can last between a few hours to a few days! If you don’t go to a prenatal class the book Pregnancy Day By Day
POSSIBLE PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS:
- pressure or cramping in the pelvic or rectal area (similar to menstrual cramps)
- irregular contractions
- pain in the lower back that comes and goes
- increase in heartburn and gassiness
- engagement of baby’s head
- the “bloody show” – losing the mucus plug that has protected your baby during pregnancy. The discharge may appear as thick, clear or yellow clump that looks like mucus from your nose. It’s common for small amounts of blood to be present due to small tears in the cervix as the plug goes away
- intestinal movements
- cervix begins to dilate
- water breaking (for the majority of women this happens later on during established labor – amniotic fluid has an odor that is different that urine)
EMOTIONAL STATE:
- anticipation
- fear, anxiety, doubt
- excitement and impatience
- tiredness
- higher levels of energy alternated with moments of introversion
- experimenting breathing and visualization techniques
GO TO THE HOSPITAL WHEN:
- you’re water has broken, you leak amniotic fluid
- you have a discharge of blood just like menstruations
- you don’t feel baby’s movements
- you have regular contractions
TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR LABOR:
- stay well rested
- if you’re having trouble resting, try practicing relaxation techniques, such as breathing or visualization techniques
- continue eating to keep your energy levels up. Eat little and often, eg. dried fruit, nuts, or a whole-wheat sandwich and drink lots of fluids
- if you’re suffering with back pain, try showering in warm water or taking a warm bath
- ask your partner to give you a lower back massage
- have your bag packed in advance!
(Photo: credit to FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
IF YOU’RE ALREADY A MAMA, WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE FIRST STAGE OF LABOR? PLEASE SHARE IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW 🙂
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