Preparing for Labour: Baby, it's Time!
The final stages of pregnancy can be an anxious yet exciting time for parents. You're just one step away from parenthood so it's natural that you're overjoyed in anticipation of your baby's birth!
Mothers might even feel impatient with the pregnancy as the delivery date approaches. Fathers might also worry for the safety of the mother and child.
While it may seem like the mother is bearing all the hard work, fathers have a role to play as well. This is a crucial time for you to support each other and learn what to expect when the moment comes!
Early Labour
Labour doesn't begin as suddenly or dramatically as what you might see on television. Labour can last hours or even days, and it's usually longer for first-time mothers.
For many women, early labour isn't particularly uncomfortable so you may choose to continue your daily activities. For fathers, help your partner relax by giving her a gentle massage, or apply ice packs or heat to her lower back. You may also do things together to distract her: play card games, listen to calming music, or take a stroll in the park.
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Effacement
When labour begins, the mother's cervix will soften and thin. This is known as effacement. Your doctor will check for signs of your cervix effacing with vaginal exams – you won't be able to detect this change. Your cervix has to be completely thinned out before you can be ready for a vaginal delivery. -
Dilation
At the same time, you cervix will also begin to open (dilate) to about 3 cm. -
Bloody show
Mothers may also notice stringy mucus or a thick discharge that's usually brown, and sometimes tinged with blood. This is the plug of mucus that blocks the cervical opening to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus during pregnancy, but will usually be discharged when your cervix effaces and dilates. -
Water breaks
Your baby in the uterus is cushioned by an amniotic sac – a membrane that's filled with fluid. When the sac leaks or breaks, it's usually a signal that labour is about to begin. The longer the membranes are ruptured, the higher the chances of infection, so if labour doesn't begin on its own, it's best to get your doctor to induce labour. -
Contractions
True contractions that signal the start of your labour will be in a regular pattern that gets stronger and more frequent. Fathers can help time the contractions to determine this. Mothers will feel the labour pains begin high, and then radiating throughout the abdomen and lower back. If it's only concentrated in the lower abdomen, then it's a false labour.
