Knowing that pre-labor is the first phase and usually women are not “in labor” until you are dilatated to 4 cm is essential. 


 
Pre-Labor
(Contractions are irregular and last roughly 20-40 seconds, but are inconsistent.)

Please be aware that this phase can last for days, and it is essential that you go on about your day.  Continue with the “Essential Daily Activities” when this happens. 

It is essential that you are informed, the next phase starts when your cervix is dilatated to 4 cm.  Before this you are still in Pre-Labor, so there is no need to rush. 
If you notice these contractions are 60-120 seconds and erratic it could signify that you need to be aware your baby could be in a Posterior, or sunny side up position.  The contractions could be more intense when this happens.  Here is a pattern of contractions with an OA, vs OP.   

Part of the process of the contraction of the uterus is moving the fetus into the birth position.  During this time, depending on the position, AO vs AP.  It is essential to educate the differences and manage expectation of labor.  
   
Your body has prepared for this day for the last 10 months!  Now is the time to start using all the tools your birth team has given you.  Here is a refresher of body balancing exercises and stretches and practitioner help. 
  • Relax the abdomen with sidelining abdominal and sacral releases.
  • Sit smart, with your back straight or a little forward to help the baby settle in the front of your abdomen.
  • Drink warm chamomile tea.
  • Take a nap or relax
  • Allow for plenty of laughter and fun.
  • Don’t forget to eat, nourishment is essential for the next two phases.
  • Reach out to your birth team, Midwife, Chiropractor, or OB.  They will have encouragement and will share the joy with you or will provide guidance if you need.   
Early Labor
(Contractions are regular and last 20-45 seconds with a frequency of 4-10 minutes apart. Things may begin to get bloody at this stage, which is normal.)
This is still in the early stage, but this could be the start of labor, now is the time to start getting ready:
  • Stay relaxed to decreased the stress hormones. 
  • Continue to eat every two hours and drink lots of water, electrolyte drinks, and/or a little grape juice or hibiscus tea or favorite drink every hour.
  • Get up and walk or slow dance. Get down on your hands and knees and “wash the floor.”
  • Use gravity to your advantage with the by kneeling on pillows and rest your arms in a comfy chair.
  • Try some lively hula-hoop hip circles on a Thera ball.
  • Take a folding chair in the shower and lean forward while sitting. 
  • Check-in with your provider(s) to let them know your potential for labor.  They will guide you through the next stages and advise.  he next stages of labor are:  
    • ​Active Labor I
      (Beginning around 4 cm dilation. Contractions last 60-75 seconds with a frequency of 3-6 minutes apart.)
    • Active Labor II
      (Beginning around 5 cm dilation. Contractions last 60-85 seconds with a frequency of 3-5 minutes apart.)
    • Active Labor III
      (Dilation has advanced to 6-8 cm. Contractions last 60-85 seconds with a frequency of 3-4 minutes apart.)
    • Active Labor IV
      (Dilation increases to 8-10 cm. Contractions last 75-120 seconds with a frequency of 2.5-4 minutes apart.)
    • Pushing or Releasing
      (The last stage has begun. Contractions are now 45-75 seconds long with a frequency of 3-5 minutes.)