Things to Avoid in Early Labor

Early labor is a tricky time. Most people aren’t actually prepared on what to do at home before they head into the hospital. Today I’m going to share 5 things to AVOID in early labor so that you can help labor progress and head into active labor!

As a labor nurse for 20 years I definitely saw these mistakes a LOT so I’m really glad you’re here and I can help you avoid them!

Note: These are just 5 things, if you want all the things in one spot where you and your partner can easily learn them — check this out!

Also, you clearly need to be safe to stay at home and that’s something to discuss with your provider. If you are in labor before baby is due then you should 100% just head into the hospital also. This is medical information, not advice and please DO talk with your provider about when to head into the hospital at your next appointment.

I’m also going to give you a few pro tips of things TO do at the end, so keep reading for those!

1. Timing All. The Things.

Oh gosh, it’s so tempting to do! You’re wondering IS. THIS. IT? After weeks of waiting and perhaps a few false starts (btw, love this video if that’s you) you’re wanting to know if this is headed somewhere.

But, just like the boys in high school — early labor works best when ignored.

Make it want you rather than you smothering it with attention. 🙂

Ok, it may not always be that way — but I like to think of it that way.

(don’t worry, active labor is almost impossible to ignore — you won’t miss it)

Unless your contractions are clearly less than 10 minutes apart, try to ignore them and move on with your life. I’ll talk about some things TO do at the bottom, so stay tuned.

Although, one thing you don’t want to ignore is fetal movement. Keep watching for it and keep doing those kick counts.

And if you have no idea what I’m talking about get my cheat sheet here:

2. Freaking Out

This is the other thing.

Kind of a 🐠 Nemo-esque “today’s the day, it’s HAPPENING” type feeling that bubbles up inside.

What to do first — pack the bag, call your doctor, do the miles circuit, or just scream that soon you’re going to be a mama!

This is the time to use the labor breathing — perhaps less for pain and more for the calm that your body desperately needs.

And, if you’re thinking “labor breathing?” I discuss it in the natural pain management bonus video in here. So helpful for you and your partner!

We believe that the main leader in labor continuing is a hormone called Oxytocin. Normally, it’s the love hormone. You feel it when you love Seth in the 7th grade, and later on when you met your partner. In small doses it’s a lovely feeling and you’ll get more of those lovely feelings with your baby soon.

Although, in labor it converts to that lovely feeling into pure pain — so sort of like a break up. 🙂

But, the thing that can stop oxytocin faster than toddler in a parking lot is worry, anxiety and frankly — freaking out.

So, the more you can stay cool as a cucumber the more Oxytocin will flow in your system.

Do things that promote feeling safe, happy, loved and bonding with that partner. I have a whole post on how to keep oxytocin flowing (and a video).

And yes — if you have no idea what to do or what to expect in early labor, it can be hard to be calm — and it can be EXTRA hard with a partner who also is freaking out inside. Which is why I have a whole chapter on early labor, what to expect and do in here.

So many classes entirely skip that part and that’s not doing either of you any favors. It is the main part you’re “alone” for if you’re planning on a hospital birth — so it can feel really scary. You need a labor bff like me to help you through it!

3. Staying in One Position

Now when I freak out I tend to just fall onto my couch or my bed and curl up (and perhaps even scoll Tiktok which is like a trifecta of things NOT to do).

This isn’t to say you can’t lay on the couch. Laying on the couch or your bed is a very important part of any third trimester.

But I am saying to continue to move.

Every 30 minutes you get up and do some movements. Things I love:

• Squats (have a wall or a sturdy couch behind you — the lower the better)
• Lunges (I know, I hate them too)
• Curb walking (yes, I have a whole post on it)
• Hands and knees (I have a pro tip in here about how to use that one best)

I once saw a midwife say that in early labor it’s like trying to wiggle a cork into the right position in a bottle (then, in active labor you get the forceful pushes to put that cork in — or pus that baby into the birth canal).

You’re trying to help baby find their right position by doing some “wiggling” type movements.

And if those seem completely impossible at least change positions in bed. Add something between your legs or cross your legs over each other — just try to get that pelvis into a different spot than it was before.

This is an awesome job for partners. First off, they’re going to love having a task, but that way you don’t have to watch the timer — they can do it and then help you to move. Then, between movements they can get you a little snack because you’re not going to want to….

4. Eating Giant Meals

It’s tempting to eat a lot because you’re not sure when you’ll eat again.

(basically, my third trimester was me thinking I should eat a lot and then just taking a few nibbles — tell me in the comments if that’s you too).

But, small snacks are better.

Now, this isn’t the time to carb-load — you’re going to want to balance protein and carbs to keep your strength up.

I have a whole bonus video in here where we go into some great labor snacks with a nutritionist (which are also just great pregnancy snacks) — but a few ideas to get you started:

• Nuts and some fruit (gotta love some fruit fiber)
• String cheese and some crackers (yes, the Lunchable of our youth)
• Peanut Butter and dates (or celery or an apple)

So, don’t eat a lot, but do eat. If you aren’t in the mood to eat at ALL, you can honor that too — your body is doing a BIG thing (and I promise you’ll be as hungry as a horse after this baby comes out).

5. Going Into The Hospital

Media, for far too long, has acted like you get a contraction and you go to the hospital.

And frankly, you totally can. We’re happy to see you in Labor and Delivery and our unit is open to make sure that you and baby are safe.

But as long as things are going OK the hospital truly is NOT the best place for you in early labor.

Now, we define early labor as 0 to 4-6 cm (the definition changes depending on who you talk to).

I want to be clear on something, you can always go to the hospital if you’re ever worried or scared something is wrong (or baby’s movement seems off). This isn’t a tip to just NOT use the hospital.

But if things are going ok at home, baby is moving well and you’re feeling alright — stay at home. Use your natural pain management techniques (think: breathing, massage and maybe a brownie or two — along with some nuts) to help you stay there.

Your home lets Oxytocin flow. It allows you to let your body do what it was made to do. Move, and cling that partner who is so very important in this process.

Then, when the pains are getting overwhelming, you can’t talk through them and you’re to the point your provider recommended head on in.

Of course, for everyone this time is going to be different. I just heard of a rural labor unit closing just south of me that will add an hour to people’s labor and delivery experience. This is happening far too often in the US (shaking my fist at the world).

You may have a far drive, you may have some crazy traffic, and you might be GBS positive (which changes things a bit). So, talk with your provider to see what they recommend.

Also, ask them if they have someone on for them 24/7 — can you call someone, even if it’s in the middle of the night — to talk to them about laboring at home. Talk through things and make a plan that’s best for you.

Most do, and it’s important to know how they handle those situations. They can be a great lifeline when you’re feeling a little too alone at home. 🙂

I was thinking that many of you will experience early labor in the hospital with an induction — and honestly, these rules can still be followed for the most part — you can always ask your nurse to help you make the most of them, and be SURE to get EXTRA prepare for an induction — I have a whole chapter on it in here.

Ok, now…

What SHOULD you be doing?

Like I said before keep having small snacks if you’re a bit hungry.

Pack that hospital bag — I just did a video on a few things to do right before you go into the hospital but even the best packed hospital bag is likely going to have a few things you need to add at the end (and grabbing those things is good movement for your body).

And, if you’re not sure what to put in it I do have a no-fluff packing list:

And, the big one is to sleep. If you can actually get some rest (note: you’re going to have to put freaking out behind you in order to get it) it will be SO good later on.

This is truly the time to ignore the fact that you could be having a baby in a few hours and focus on what you need — and rest not only fills up your gas tank with some energy, but the relaxation can also help your baby find their right spot — just as well as curb walking.

The key is actually sleeping, so if you’re just “resting” — be sure to keep moving every 30 minutes. This is great for a partner to keep checking on you to see if you’re actually asleep.

I just want to say that this can feel really scary. I felt prepared, but my husband did NOT (I mean, he was married to The Pregnancy Nurse®, who can blame him?). He just wanted to leave, he didn’t want to deliver this baby on his own and his pressure often took me into the hospital too early.

I wish I’d done a better job at preparing him for what to expect. Maybe I should have taught him chapter 3 in here.

I don’t want you to be scared or anxious (I don’t want that for your partner either). There is a better way, and feeling prepared is at the root of it. People aren’t just “lucky” they got to the hospital at the right time — they prepared and made the right choices (and hopefully had an awesome provider on speed dial while at home).

Early labor is just one of those scary parts, so be sure to get prepared for all of it. I can’t wait for you to have this exciting journey, best of luck to you!