Knowing that pre-labor is the first phase and usually women are not “in labor” until you are dilatated to 4-5 cm is essential.
Am I in Labor? What to Do Next
Labor is an exciting yet unpredictable process, and recognizing the signs can help you stay calm, prepared, and confident as you move through each stage. Instead of rushing to the hospital at the first contraction, understanding early labor, active labor, and when to seek support can make all the difference in having a smoother, more empowering birth experience.
🌿 Pre-Labor: Early Signs & What to ExpectContractions:
🔹 Irregular contractions lasting 20-40 seconds
🔹 May stop and start over several days
🔹 No clear pattern or increasing intensity
What to Do:
✅ Continue your daily activities as usual.
✅ Stay hydrated and nourish your body with small, frequent meals.
✅ Rest as much as possible--this phase can last for days.
✅ Practice gentle stretches & relaxation techniques (guided meditation, deep breathing, warm baths).
✅ If contractions feel erratic (60-120 sec), your baby may be in a posterior position (sunny-side-up). Try:
🕰️ Early Labor: The Longest Phase Contractions:
🔹 Regular but mild contractions lasting 20-45 seconds
🔹 Frequency: 4-10 minutes apart
🔹 Possible bloody show (normal)
What to Do:
✅ Stay relaxed to keep stress hormones low.
✅ Eat every 2 hours to maintain energy (protein, fruit, soups, smoothies).
✅ Hydrate! Drink water, coconut water, hibiscus tea, or grape juice every hour.
✅ Movement is key:
⚡ Active Labor: When It’s Time to Head InActive Labor I (4 cm dilated)
🔹 Contractions last 60-75 seconds, 3-6 minutes apart
Active Labor II (5 cm dilated)
🔹 Contractions last 60-85 seconds, 3-5 minutes apart
Active Labor III (6-8 cm dilated)
🔹 Contractions last 60-85 seconds, 3-4 minutes apart
Active Labor IV (8-10 cm dilated)
🔹 Contractions last 75-120 seconds, 2.5-4 minutes apart
What to Do:
✅ Deep breathing & relaxation techniques—visualization, hypnobirthing, acupressure.
✅ Warm compresses & water immersion (bath or shower) to relieve pain.
✅ Chiropractic adjustments & body positioning can reduce labor duration & discomfort.
✅ Trust your body! Your baby and body know what to do—stay as calm and confident as possible.
📍 Time to go to your birthing location! If contractions are consistent & intense, head in for support.
🤱 Pushing & Birth: The Final Stage🔹 Contractions last 45-75 seconds, every 3-5 minutes.
🔹 You may feel a strong urge to push or a sensation of pressure.
What to Do:
✅ Listen to your body’s cues—pushing happens instinctively when baby is ready.
✅ Stay hydrated & nourished—labor takes energy!
✅ Use upright or hands-and-knees positions to allow gravity to assist in birth.
✅ Trust your birth team—your midwife, doula, chiropractor, or OB is here to guide & encourage you.
🔹 Holistic Insight:
🚨 When to Call Your Provider Immediately📞 Contact your birth team or go to the hospital right away if you experience:
🚩 Heavy vaginal bleeding
🚩 Decreased baby movement
🚩 Severe pain that doesn’t ease between contractions
🚩 Fever (100.4°F or higher)
🚩 Sudden vision changes, dizziness, or headaches
🚩 Your water breaks & fluid is green
🌿 Holistic Support for Labor & Birth
🔹 Chiropractic Care: Ensures optimal fetal positioning, reduces discomfort, and supports efficient labor progression.
🔹 Mindfulness & Hypnobirthing: Lowers stress hormones, keeping contractions effective.
🔹 Nourishment: Foods rich in electrolytes, protein, and healthy fats fuel your body for the journey ahead.
📍 Ready for a Supported, Empowered Birth?
Your body is built for this—trust the process, surround yourself with support, and know that your baby will come at the perfect time.
📅 Schedule your prenatal chiropractic visit today to ensure optimal alignment, reduced pain, and a smoother labor experience!
Labor is an exciting yet unpredictable process, and recognizing the signs can help you stay calm, prepared, and confident as you move through each stage. Instead of rushing to the hospital at the first contraction, understanding early labor, active labor, and when to seek support can make all the difference in having a smoother, more empowering birth experience.
🌿 Pre-Labor: Early Signs & What to ExpectContractions:
🔹 Irregular contractions lasting 20-40 seconds
🔹 May stop and start over several days
🔹 No clear pattern or increasing intensity
What to Do:
✅ Continue your daily activities as usual.
✅ Stay hydrated and nourish your body with small, frequent meals.
✅ Rest as much as possible--this phase can last for days.
✅ Practice gentle stretches & relaxation techniques (guided meditation, deep breathing, warm baths).
✅ If contractions feel erratic (60-120 sec), your baby may be in a posterior position (sunny-side-up). Try:
- Sidelining abdominal & sacral releases
- Hands-and-knees position to encourage baby’s rotation
- Chiropractic adjustments to balance the pelvis
- Magnesium & chamomile tea help relax muscles and ease tension.
- Webster-certified chiropractic care supports optimal baby positioning & pelvic balance for an easier labor.
🕰️ Early Labor: The Longest Phase Contractions:
🔹 Regular but mild contractions lasting 20-45 seconds
🔹 Frequency: 4-10 minutes apart
🔹 Possible bloody show (normal)
What to Do:
✅ Stay relaxed to keep stress hormones low.
✅ Eat every 2 hours to maintain energy (protein, fruit, soups, smoothies).
✅ Hydrate! Drink water, coconut water, hibiscus tea, or grape juice every hour.
✅ Movement is key:
- Slow dance, sway, or walk
- Kneel on pillows & lean forward
- Thera ball hip circles (like a hula hoop)
- Hands-and-knees position (this can relieve back pain & help baby move)
✅ Take a warm shower, leaning forward in a chair for comfort.
- Probiotics & omega-3s support immune health & prevent inflammation.
- Dates (6 per day in the last weeks of pregnancy) may help shorten labor duration.
- Chiropractic adjustments ensure pelvic alignment for a smoother, more efficient labor.
⚡ Active Labor: When It’s Time to Head InActive Labor I (4 cm dilated)
🔹 Contractions last 60-75 seconds, 3-6 minutes apart
Active Labor II (5 cm dilated)
🔹 Contractions last 60-85 seconds, 3-5 minutes apart
Active Labor III (6-8 cm dilated)
🔹 Contractions last 60-85 seconds, 3-4 minutes apart
Active Labor IV (8-10 cm dilated)
🔹 Contractions last 75-120 seconds, 2.5-4 minutes apart
What to Do:
✅ Deep breathing & relaxation techniques—visualization, hypnobirthing, acupressure.
✅ Warm compresses & water immersion (bath or shower) to relieve pain.
✅ Chiropractic adjustments & body positioning can reduce labor duration & discomfort.
✅ Trust your body! Your baby and body know what to do—stay as calm and confident as possible.
📍 Time to go to your birthing location! If contractions are consistent & intense, head in for support.
🤱 Pushing & Birth: The Final Stage🔹 Contractions last 45-75 seconds, every 3-5 minutes.
🔹 You may feel a strong urge to push or a sensation of pressure.
What to Do:
✅ Listen to your body’s cues—pushing happens instinctively when baby is ready.
✅ Stay hydrated & nourished—labor takes energy!
✅ Use upright or hands-and-knees positions to allow gravity to assist in birth.
✅ Trust your birth team—your midwife, doula, chiropractor, or OB is here to guide & encourage you.
🔹 Holistic Insight:
- Evening primrose oil supports cervical ripening & elasticity.
- Acupressure & massage can help reduce pain & support contractions.
- Chiropractic care postpartum ensures a faster recovery & optimal postpartum healing.
🚨 When to Call Your Provider Immediately📞 Contact your birth team or go to the hospital right away if you experience:
🚩 Heavy vaginal bleeding
🚩 Decreased baby movement
🚩 Severe pain that doesn’t ease between contractions
🚩 Fever (100.4°F or higher)
🚩 Sudden vision changes, dizziness, or headaches
🚩 Your water breaks & fluid is green
🌿 Holistic Support for Labor & Birth
🔹 Chiropractic Care: Ensures optimal fetal positioning, reduces discomfort, and supports efficient labor progression.
🔹 Mindfulness & Hypnobirthing: Lowers stress hormones, keeping contractions effective.
🔹 Nourishment: Foods rich in electrolytes, protein, and healthy fats fuel your body for the journey ahead.
📍 Ready for a Supported, Empowered Birth?
Your body is built for this—trust the process, surround yourself with support, and know that your baby will come at the perfect time.
📅 Schedule your prenatal chiropractic visit today to ensure optimal alignment, reduced pain, and a smoother labor experience!
