Ask your partner, labour coach, or doula for a massage.

During early labour, you can walk, play cards, watch TV, or listen to music to help take your mind off your contractions. Having a support person with you from early labour until after childbirth can have a positive effect on childbirth. You may have special instructions if your water broke or you tested positive for group B strep. As your labour progresses, check in with your doctor or midwife about when to come back to the hospital or birthing centre. If you aren't sure, call your doctor, midwife, or nurse call line. It may be hard to tell if you are in active labour. You will feel them even when you change positions and walk or move around. They also last longer, about 50 to 70 seconds. They occur more often, about every 2 to 3 minutes. During this time, contractions get more intense. If you live far from the hospital or birthing centre, you may want to think about going somewhere nearby so you can get back to the hospital quickly.įor some women, there may be benefits to staying home during early labour, such as avoiding medicines or procedures.Īs labour progresses, you'll shift from early labour to active labour. You can spend some or all of your early labour at home or anywhere else you may be comfortable. It helps to stay as relaxed as you can during this time. How long the contraction lasts is the duration. The frequency of contractions is the time from the beginning of 1 contraction until the beginning of the next contraction. Keep track of how often you're having contractions and how long each contraction lasts.

Contraction timing