The first stage of labor starts with early labor and ends with active labor. During early labor, contractions last from 30 to 45 seconds and are about 20 minutes apart. The cervix may be thin and softened during early labor and should be dilate to 4 cm. During this period of early labor, you may feel contractions like menstrual cramps, excitement with the thought that has finally arrived. You may also experience backache and mild diarrhea.
Instructions
1. Breathe and relax. The labor has started, but you still have long way to go. Labor can last from 6 hours to 24 hours. Do not panic. Pack your bag, get everything ready before heading to the hospital.
2. If early labor occurs at night, try to go back to sleep and rest as much as you can. If early labor occurs in daytime, continue your normal activities as long as possible.
3. Walk around the block if you can. Walking helps shortens the labor process and increases the effects of labor contractions.
4. If you have backache, try pelvic tilt. Do pelvic rocking during a contraction. On all fours, rock your pelvis side to side or in circle. This will help easing the back pain and guiding your baby to the cervix with her head first.
5. Eat food that is easy to digest, like yogurt or jell-o. Drink water, juice, or herbal tea.
6. Ask your partner to time your contractions and write down the length of contractions. Be ready to call your doctor according to instructions.
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