Mom Info:

How Do I Know If I'm In Labor?

False Labor

• There is no "bloody show."
• Contractions are irregular and not progressively closer together.
• Walking, changing activity or positions may relieve or stop the contractions.
• There is no change in cervix.

Real Labor

• A "bloody show" may be the first sign. It is usually associated with cramp-like pains.
• Contractions get stronger, occur more frequently and last longer.
• Walking, changing activity or positions doesn't affect intensity or frequency of contractions.
• Cervix dilates.

First babies are notoriously slow about being born; therefore, you should plan to monitor your first few contractions in the comfort of your home. You should prepare to leave for the hospital when your membranes rupture or when your contractions are from 5 to 7 minutes apart. Prepare to leave earlier if you live a long distance from the hospital. Keep plenty of gas in the car during the last few weeks, just in case.

Be packed and prepared for the trip to the hospital. Reassure your partner that there is plenty of time - drive carefully!

How To Time Contractions

If you time your contractions and find they are evenly spaced, coming closer and closer together, and to NOT go away if you change position or walk around, then you are possibly experiencing real labor. True labor contractions cause back pain, lower abdominal pain or both.

Frequency - Time from the start of one contraction to the beginning of another

Duration - Time from the start of one contraction to the end of the same contraction

Baby Info:

The first stage of labor starts with the onset of labor and is completed when the cervix is completely dilated to 10 centimeters. This stage of labor can take quite a long time, especially with a first baby - commonly 12 to 14 hours.

The second stage of labor starts with the cervix fully dilated and is completed with the delivery of the baby. It is a much shorter stage and can last anywhere from 1 contraction up to 2 hours. In this stage of labor you will be working with your contractions by pushing your baby down the birth canal. You will find an amazing inner strength as you know there is "light at the end of the tunnel."

The third stage of labor begins after the delivery of the infant and is completed with the delivery of the placenta. This usually takes just a few contractions and takes only a few minutes more.

Ideas for Dad:

Remember the Boy Scout motto "Be Prepared"? Unexpected things happen during labor and delivery so try to plan for as many things as possible while keeping in mind that flexibility is important. Try to have al the little details completed beforehand so you can handle the unexpected events. Just what are these little details? How about...

hospital registration

routes to the hospital mapped out and have more than one route in case a road is blocked for whatever reason

know where the entrances to the hospital and the parking lots are located

lists of phone numbers written out - you might forget an important person or even their number when you're excited/nervous, etc.

roll of change for the pay telephone or a battery charger/electric cord for your cell phone

mom's hospital bag and whatever YOU need at the hospital (change of clothes in case you come form work, etc)

infant carseat IN THE CAR ready to go

arrange for who will care for any older children if they aren't attending the birth

have the camera, video recorder, etc in the car

YIKES! All of those last minute details! With these out of the way, Dad, you can be there for mom so take the initative and be a good Boy Scout. Be prepared!

You catch a glimpse of Mom's profile and see that big belly...and you feel instantly guilty. She's tired, cranky, sick of pregnancy, can't sleep because she has to get up every 30 minutes to go to the bathroom, has chronic heartburn and indigestion, and her mood is relective of these late-pregnancy discomforts. You feel responsible, and you know what? You ARE responsible! But let's think about that for a minute. Mom can't conceive without Dad, and Dad can't without Mom. That makes pregnancy a team effort. It's true that you don't have to go through the physical discomforts of pregnancy, but you do have your share of worries and a myriad of conflicting thoughts ~ and you have to watch someone you love change before your very eyes. What's a Dad to do? Just be there for Mom. It's a big job, and you're the best one to do it! You can't bear the brunt of pregnancy physically, but you can help Mom lighten the load considerably.

Congratulate yourself Dad! You're almost a father (or father again), and you've survived (almost) the pregnancy. You're probably a nervous wreck or in denial that anything is about to happen, but that's okay. In a few days (weeks), you won't remember what you had for breakfast (or even IF you had breakfast) let alone the anxiety you're having right now. Enjoy these last moments wiht mom as a couple or as a family of 3 (or 4, whatever your situation is) and pat yourself on the back for being a great dad.

This is it Dad! Try to get some sleep in the last few days because you're going to need it before you officially join the ranks of the sleep-deprived. If Mom is overdue, every day can seem like an eternity. Every twinge is scrutinized in the hopes of "it" being the real thing. Hang in there Dad! No pregnancy last forever! And congratulations! You've made it and have been a wonderful support for Mom!