Clues Labor is Happening

Back support during labor

S. Tenuta                     4-15-25

What signals to a mother that labor is now happening?  There are some clues that can give mother confidence in her body’s knowing, even when having unfamiliar surges.  For a first time mother, surges can seem very strong, because they are such a new sensation.  This can signal to the new mom to go to the hospital.  But I tell you, this can be way too soon to go to the Hospital, as many hospitals have a protocol as to how long you can labor before they say you need a cesarean section.

Mother needs to pay attention to timing.  The thing is, if the surges are 5 min. apart early in the surging sensations, this is not real labor in normal situations.  It is an early sign of the cervix opening slowly.  Since it is a new job for the body, this can take even 3 days to prime the body for 2nd stage labor.  The opening of the cervix goes faster with each child, but it still takes time  for this first early labor stage.  In the beginning, labor surges can last 25-45 seconds and then be 5 to 30 min. apart.  Dilation is still quite closed for the cervix.  This is not active labor yet.  Mom will find she is hungry and thirsty.  She may have loose bowels or a bloody show.  These are early signs and mom needs to keep living as normally as is possible for her.  Eat, drink, do things that keep you occupied, relax and sleep.

Active labor becomes more active and noticeable when surges come every 2-5 min. with longer surges that happen for 45 to 60 seconds.  This is when the cervix is opening from 4-8 cm.  Breathing downward can help the surges be moderate and able to contend with in a regular and consistent way.  Using a low voice when needing to help the breathing down can be helpful. Mother may show her need to concentrate more and to go deep into herself.

When surges are getting longer, 60-90 second contraction and the intensity seems to come every minute and a half, this is probably transition and the cervix is finishing its opening.  Mom may get more crabby or nauseous.  She may get really hot or cold.  She can say she can’t do this any more.  She will doubt her ability to finish this journey.  This is a short phase normally. 

Then mom often gets a little rest.  This is while the body prepares for the expulsion of baby.  No worries that mom rests at this time.  The expulsion stage is usually just a couple of breaths with extra concentration, a forceful roar or release and birth.

After baby is born, mom’s body still has work to do.  The Placenta will want to come out.  This could happen withing 30 seconds of birth or it could wait for 30 min. to 2 hours.  At home, it can take its time.  At most hospitals, 30 min. may be the maximum time you may be given for the expulsion of the placenta, and that will be with your insistence.  For a hospital protocol, I hear 5 minutes is a prolonged cord cutting time. Mom may have to intentionally concentrate to get the placenta out using low vocal sounds again. She is wise to keep her jaw relaxed as this somehow helps the perineum to relax while the pelvic outlet reopens to release the placenta.  If mom is in an upright position, she may be able to catch her own placenta in a bowl.

Dad can observe and time what is happening, writing notes if he is on his own.  During the early labor, it is wise for dad to make sure mother eats often and drinks plenty.  He can relax with mother, enjoy a movie, have couple time, talk with baby and just be aware of labor signs.

Dad, who may be timing the surges, may notice when mother gets more deliberate in her walking or stopping to breathe baby down.  He may notice that mother gets less talkative during the contracting surges.  Mom gets more thirsty and less hungry and dad keeps the fluids available and near mother.  Mother may need to change positions often and she may seem real serious with each surge.  These are active labor signs.

When transition occurs, it will be noticeable that mother loses her sense of modesty.  Remind mother she can finish this process.  Remind her to believe this and to breathe baby down.  When it seems too hard, encourage mother to focus and trust her body and baby’s body.  It will seem like there is no break time to breathe between contractions.  This is an intense time for mother and those observing, but it is also the shortest part of labor.

Dad, observe and watch baby come out or hold mother’s hands or body and talk with baby…if mother is not disturbed by your doing so.  Welcome baby when baby arrives.  Let mother know how she was strong, and how proud you are to be present for this beautiful process.  Be ready to hold mother or baby and to do so skin to skin.  Both parents can keep baby close so the oxytocin can bond their family unit.  This is the time that the oxytocin is the highest between all present during this birth and postpartum time.  The name for this special time has been named the ‘Golden Hour”.

The labor process is different for each baby, and yet there are steps that are similar.  Observe yourself, your reactions, your thought processes, your behaviors.  Do what helps you trust yourself, your baby and your inner knowing, called intuition.  Come past this process with a sense that you were strong, sensitive and yet empowered.  Make decisions with knowing there are always options and ask for more time if you need.  Set boundaries for self, and even if in a space that is not yours, know the labor and birth journey are yours and your baby’s.  The family unit is most important.  These are the reflections on clues that labor is happening.

In Touch and In Tune would be able to discuss the labor process with you more if interested.