Labour - The Marathon

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Once you have reached 37 weeks, it is normal for your baby to be born anytime from this moment forward, though most pregnancies may continue naturally for 42 weeks or more. Your estimated due date is exactly that—an estimation of one day on which it is expected that your baby may arrive. Your body does not need to prepare for this or require any special products for natural labour, but your mind might want some pregnancy information, and that’s perfectly okay.

Labour is experienced differently by every woman, and there is no 'one size fits all' labour guide to manage or progress through it. You will experience contractions, or surges, which aim to thin your cervix, open your cervix, and strengthen the muscle at the top of your uterus, known as the fundus. As labour continues, your cervix will continue to open, and the fundus muscle will thicken and strengthen to help move the baby downwards. Once your baby can move its head through the cervix, you will be fully dilated, and the strong fundus muscle will work with you to push your baby through your pelvis into the world outside the womb.

Your contractions are designed to be spaced apart to allow for muscle relaxation, which is very important since your cervix is a muscle. If you are constantly awaiting the next contraction or surge, your cervix will struggle to relax and open, causing your fundus muscle to take longer to thicken and strengthen. The best advice we can give you is to relax, laugh, snack, hydrate, or dance when you are not having a contraction or surge—do whatever you can to distract yourself until the next contraction arrives. When a contraction or surge occurs, focus on getting through it so you can relax again; change positions, breathe deeply, dance, or sway—your body knows what to do, and you just need to follow its cues.

When to call the midwife:

If you or your pēpi have a concern during pregnancy, you should have discussed with your LMC when to contact them as labour begins.

As a guide for a healthy pregnancy at term (37-42 weeks):

· Call the midwife when contractions are 3-5 minutes apart and lasting a minute or longer from start to finish. If this is your first labour, it’s advisable to reach out after 2-3 hours of these regular contractions. In subsequent labours, you may find it’s quicker, and calling after an hour of regular contractions can be appropriate. Remember, there is no timeline that fits every labour; it’s about what feels right for you.

·  DON’T time every contraction—take 10-15 minutes every hour to monitor that instead. Labour is not about the clock; it’s just one part of the process.

· If your waters break and they are green or brown tinged, call straight away. If they are pink or clear, note the time and call during the day, provided you feel otherwise okay and have had normal baby movements in the past day.

· If you have concerns and the information isn’t available on this website or in your app.

· Trust your instincts; you know when you no longer want to be at home. Try to call your midwife approximately half an hour before you wish to go to the hospital.

· If you are contracting with the urge to poo with each contraction—call!

· Remember, there is no right or wrong time to contact your midwife; it’s all about what feels right for you.

· Your mucous plug may come away at any time; this is not a sign of labour but rather a sign of your cervix preparing to labour anytime within the next 24 hours or even two weeks.

· Blood loss that exceeds a wipe on toilet paper or that would fill a pad.

· After discussing your situation with your midwife, you will decide together whether it’s best to head to the hospital or continue labouring at home for a while. Ensure you are comfortable with the decision and feel safe!

Information your midwife will want to know: Your midwife will prefer to talk with you directly rather than your support person to ensure the best decisions are made for you.

· When did your contractions begin, and what do you need to do when you experience one?

· Have your waters broken? If so, what time and what colour?

· How have baby movements been?

· How are you feeling physically? E.g., no temperature or other signs of illness.