How can I prepare in advance for labour?

Arrange the support of a birth partner(s)

Many women choose their partner, others their mother, sister or friend. Choose someone who you feel comfortable with who will give you encouragement, is confident to support you and is relaxed about his or her role as supportive companion.

So that your birth partner is able to support you to the best of their ability, it is important for them to take regular refreshment breaks. Having more than one birth partner can ensure that someone you know is with you all of the time.

Be well informed

Gather as much information as you can. Many women fear the ‘pain’ of labour more than anything else which can cause anxiety, tension and uses up valuable energy which can make labour more painful and exhausting. If you know what to expect, you can have some idea about what you would like for yourself. If you take a few moments to think about why it hurts to have a baby, you may feel more relaxed about it.

Your womb or uterus is a large muscle that has to work really hard to open up the cervix or neck of the womb. Imagine if you had no warning that your baby was about to be born – think of how frightening that would be! Labour is hard work and usually takes many hours from the first signs of it starting up until the baby is born. The ‘tightenings’ or ‘period’ like pains experienced during the last few weeks of pregnancy help to soften the cervix. As labour becomes established, the tightenings become stronger and last longer. These help to dilate the cervix and help the baby get into position for the birth.

Consider writing a birth plan

For some women it is important to have written personal a birth plan. It can be helpful if you bring written wishes with you (but certainly not essential). Usually at a glance at a plan, as midwives we can see what is important to you - it can be difficult to explain what is particularly important to you in between contractions!

Many women keep a copy of their plan in their green hand held notes.

We advise you to keep an open mind, as sometimes you might either choose to do things differently or need to if problems occur.  

Consider hiring a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

TENS is a natural way of encouraging your body to produce its own painkillers called endorphins. It also interrupts the pain pathways from your womb to your brain. It has a small control box which connects to four pads that are positioned either side of the spine. TENS is best used in early labour –usually whilst you are at home. They can be hired from a chemist. Ask your midwife for more information.

Important contact numbers
keep a list of important numbers in your handbag or near the phone. Include your hospital or midwife, your partner or birth companion, and your own hospital reference number available for when you contact us.  

Stocking up for home following your birth
When you go home, you may not want to do much more than rest and care for your baby, so do as much planning as you can in advance. Stock up on basics such as toilet paper, sanitary pads and nappies. If you have a freezer, prepare some meals in advance and freeze them.  

Transport

Work out how you'll get to the hospital as you could be arriving at any time of the day or night. If you’re planning to make your journey by car, make sure it’s running well and that there’s always enough petrol in the tank. If a neighbour has said they can help make a back-up arrangement just in case they’re not in.

Please don’t plan to call an ambulance unless there is an emergency!

How Can I Prepare in Advance for Labour?

Early Labour Support

This page was last modified on Fri Jul 23 2010