WTF - What the.. Fridays | Long First Stage of Labour

This was supposed to be posted yesterday but I took a break because of Xmas!

Let's talk about the first stage of labour. The first stage (early labour) is typically the longest stage of labour. The early labour is when the cervix starts softening, thinning and dilating. This is when regular contractions start to be felt. This stage can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days! 😱 This part of labour is mentally tough because there can be lots of excitement that baby is on it's way but can be painful, long & exhausting. Many first time parents will go to the hospital and get sent home. This is totally fine!

During this stage I recommend my clients get as much rest as possible & to balance it out with long walks, bouncing on the birthing ball, changing positions & maybe throw in a few squats.

I normally don't join my clients in person during this stage because it can be a long time but I am supporting them over the phone, via text w/ suggestions for changing positions along w/ other tips & tricks. I make sure to check in for regular updates. A good indicator that it's time to go to the hospital and that you have progressed from early labour to active labour is that contractions are 5 mins apart, about 1 minute long, consistently for 1 hour. (The 5-1-1 rule) I also like to tell my clients that intensity is a very important factor when gauging when it's time to go to the birthing facility (if they are not planning a home birth). If contractions are strong and you can't talk / carry a conversation through the contraction that is all a good indicator that you have progressed to active labour.

One other thing that sometimes frighten first time parents especially is body shakes during contractions, this is completely normal, and the body's normal adrenaline response. (More on this next week!)

Besides contractions, other signs that your body may be in the first stage of labour or that labour is coming are:

✣ loss of the mucous plug

✣ bloody show

✣ rupture of waters