It can be super tempting to throw the stuff in the car, call your bestie and run around like a complete lunatic screaming from the rooftops once you suspect labor has begun. Your baby is finally on the way and you're so dang excited! Or maybe those first signs of labor are totally freaking you out and you have no idea what to do. Well, I'm here to give you a couple of ideas of things to do during early labor (put these in your pocket for when you need them).
Relax.
Now is the time to preserve as much of your energy as possible. Now, that doesn't mean become a total loaf on the couch, but it DOES mean that you probably shouldn't go for a 3 mile walk and climb a mountain. There's a happy medium there. Do some yoga, meditate, take a nap, read a book, just chill!
Fuel.
Labor is a marathon. Would you ever in your life
dream of running a marathon without eating beforehand? Not a chance. Fuel your body with some nutrient dense foods and make sure you're drinking plenty of water. Eating and drinking during labor is safe and doesn't have to stop when you arrive at your birth location. More information on that here.
Do something fun.
You can still keep it low key and do something fun! Go see a movie, toss a ball with the dog, go out to eat, sit at the beach, play a game, people-watch at the mall...what sounds fun to you? Doing something fun can be a great distraction when in early labor.
For first-time mothers, labor can typically last between 12-18 hours according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Subsequent labors are usually shorter, but not always. The point here is that while each labor and birth is different, labor is usually a longer process. There's no need to rush it so instead, it's important pace yourself!
If you don't remember anything else from this post, remember these 3 words for early labor:
Relax.
Fuel.
Fun.
Comments