How do you know if you are really in labor?

     How do you know if you are really in Labor? This is one of the most common questions expecting parents have- and there are answers! Here are some of the signs of false labor vs true labor. 

SIGNS OF TRUE LABOR

·        - In the last 24-48 hours you may have experienced indigestion, nausea, and/or loose bowels.

·         -In the last 24-48 hours you may have experienced a burst of energy, or increased feeling that things need to get accomplished and ready.

·        - Contractions are occurring at regular intervals. With your first baby, when contractions are five minutes apart or closer for one hour. If you have had a baby before, when contractions are six to eight minutes apart for one hour.

·         -Time between contractions is becoming shorter.

·        - Discomfort is increasing - you have difficulty walking or talking through contractions.

·        - Contractions are stronger when walking and do not subside when resting.

·        - You see bloody show (vaginal discharge).

·        - You feel back Labor (Pain that may radiate to the abdomen but is concentrated in the back.)

·        - Urination is becoming more frequent

·         -You are be better able to breathe as baby descends

SIGNS OF FALSE LABOR

·         -Contractions may be regular or irregular (come and go) but do NOT get stronger.

·         -Contractions subside or are less frequent when you are resting.

·         -Time between contractions remains the same, or contractions become farther apart.
     -Pain from Contractions may be centered in your lower abdomen only.
     -Between contractions, baby is still as active as he had been.  

           There may also be a time you need to contact your physician or midwife immediately.  Here are some signs to watch for.

                                                SIGNS OF PRE-TERM LABOR                                                     (Labor that begins more than 3 weeks before due date)

·         -Menstrual-like cramps - stomach feels like it is "balling up."

·         -Pelvic pressure.

·         -Low backache.

·         -A new vaginal discharge or significant increase in vaginal discharge, especially if red or pink.

·         -Pains/cramps every 10 minutes or less that do not subside after resting, drinking fluids or urinating.

SIGNS THAT REQUIRE EVALUATION BY A PHYSICIAN OR MIDWIFE

·         -Bag of water breaks. A gush of fluid or a steady trickle that you can't control are both signs that your water has broken. Fluid should be clear. Call immediately if it is yellow, green, or pink tinged.

·         -Constant, severe abdominal pain.

·         -Bright red vaginal bleeding- more like a period.

·         -Continued or severe headache.

·         -Blurred vision or spots before your eyes.

·         -Chills/fever.

·         -Fainting /loss of consciousness.

·        - Severe or continued nausea and/or vomiting.   

           Remember, trust your instincts- it is better to be safe!  If you have any questions, or feel uneasy about anything you are experiencing, ask a member of your care team. We are happy to answer your questions, or refer you to the right person.  

Reduce Stress During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of growth- physically, mentally, and emotionally.     It's tough and amazing work!  

Take care of yourself and of baby with these... 

 25 Ways To Reduce Stress During Pregnancy

1. Get enough sleep

2. Move every day (walk, yoga, stretch!)

3. Get a massage

4. Take a warm bath

5. Meditate or Pray

6. Write in a Journal

7. Talk to a friend

8. Get enough nutrients for you and baby

9. Say no to extra responsibilities

10. Join a support group

11. Play calming music

12. Do muscle tense/release exercises

13. Diffuse Lavender essential oil

14. Drink chamomile or Peppermint tea

15. Take whole food prenatal vitamins

16. Practice deep breathing

17. Laugh

18. Write letters to your baby

19. Paint colors onto a canvas like a preschooler

20. Drink enough water

21. Take a nap

22. Soak sore feet in bath salts

23. Get something new to wear that's not too tight

24. Sing to your baby

25. Meet with a counselor

Precious MoAna

Precious little MoAna was born with a short and perfect labor. Her mama had her wonderful husband, 2 doulas, and an amazing nurse and hospital staff all there to support her.  Sweet MoAna needed some extra help due to her cleft lip and palate, but she is doing well.  Her parents, family, and friends are excited to welcome her home soon!

Naomi and Julia

Adorable little Julia was welcomed into the world with her big sister Naomi nearby.  A beautiful loving family birth.  I am SO grateful to play a small part in her new life!

Beautiful Charity!

Sweet little Charity came into the world in a peaceful and quick water birth.  She is a very special little girl, born with her amniotic sac intact.  Big brother and sister are so excited for her to join their family, and I was lucky enough to support them!

Help For Morning (Or All Day) Sickness

Nausea is actually a good sign that your pregnancy hormone levels are high enough to allow your baby to develop and grow. But if you don't feel sick, don't worry, as you may just be one of the lucky ones!  8 out of 10 women feel nausea in pregnancy at some point. 

In the beginning of your pregnancy, your body is producing the hormone hCG in large quantities. Once your placenta takes over (around 12-14 weeks), hCG levels drop and your nausea should ease. But other hormones like estrogen and thyroxine can contribute to nausea as well, and increase during the entire pregnancy- especially if you are expecting multiples, so don’t worry if you experience some sick days even up to delivery.

Here are some things that can help:

Reduce Stress

If you are tired, stressed, or anxious, your nausea can be worse.  Get plenty of rest and consider taking time off from some of your responsibilities.  Take your neighbor up on her offer to take the kids to the park, delegate things you have committed to do at home or work, and say no to the next bake sale. You can be superwoman later, right now you are making a baby- It doesn’t get more “super power” than that!

Snack

Being hungry will bring on the nausea. Eat frequent small meals, and notice which foods make your symptoms worse.  Rich, fried, fatty or highly-spiced foods are regular culprits.  Also, eating protein at night can sometimes help in the morning (though this can add to heartburn later in pregnancy).  Don’t worry if your diet is perfectly balanced right now, you can make up for it with plenty of green smoothies when you are able to keep them down.

Drink Water

Keep well hydrated with whatever liquids work for you.  Try sipping on ice water with slices of citrus or berries, chicken broth, or barley water (simmer 1 C hulled barley in 2qt water for 30 min., strain and add honey and lemon to taste- great for hydration!)

Ginger

Ginger is a common remedy in Chinese medicine. It's based on the system of yin and yang and other opposing factors, including heat and cold. Ginger is a hot (yang) remedy and can make your sickness worse if you are already too hot. Ginger may help you if you normally get cold easily, and find hot drinks soothing.  

Try ginger capsules, oil, or making a tea from grated ginger root: Steep two tsp. in boiling water, leave it to cool, and sip throughout the day.  *Do not use ginger if you are taking anti-coagulant medicine or aspirin for blood clots.*

Peppermint

Peppermint is cooling (yin) and works to opposite of ginger.  It is great for you if you feel hot (always removing layers of clothing) and like iced drinks.  Try sipping peppermint tea, sucking on peppermint life savers or other candy, or chewing mint gum.

Acupressure Wrist Bands

Pressing an acupuncture point on your wrist can help to relieve your nausea. There are wristbands with instructions at most drug stores.   I have seen these simple bands make a huge difference!  

To find the pressure point:  Use one hand on the inside of your opposite wrist, measuring up three finger widths from the crease between your hand and arm.  At the point where your third finger is, lift the pressure off until you are just touching the skin and feel lightly for a slight dip. Press deeply into this dip and it will feel bruised. Place the button on the wristbands at this tender point on both wrists, or just press with your fingers.  When you experience a wave of nausea, press on the button on each wrist about 20 to 30 times at one second intervals. Both at the same time works best.  If you don’t have bands, ask someone to do it for you on both wrists.

Music 
If movement, such as riding in a car, makes your sickness worse, try listening to music with pulsating drum beats (I like African Drumming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIwv3eh4Mq4&list=RDwXV39pybgJU&index=5 )  Wearing headphones may help to allow the music and pulsations to rebound against your ear.

Aromatherapy 
Oils and aromatherapy can be very helpful, but if using a particular oil causes headaches or sickness, reduce the amount you are using, or try something else and give that oil a break for a week or two.  Use a diffuser first, and if it helps, the oil can be mixed with almond oil, olive oil or fractionated coconut oil and rubbed on the bottom of your feet, your tummy, or under your nose- whatever helps!

Essential oils to try include: Ginger, Peppermint, Lemon, Lavender, or Orange

Remember: If you are vomiting several times a day and unable to eat and drink without vomiting, call your midwife or doctor. Severe vomiting and sickness may lead to dehydration, which may require extra treatment.

How A Doula Helps With Your Epidural

I get this question a lot:  "What if I decide to have an epidural?  What would you do then?"  The answer is many things!

Just the presence of a doula lowers the risk of complications.  A doula will help during the epidural procedure, help you change positions to keep blood flowing and baby in the right position, and keeps YOU the focus of the birth experience.

This article from birthing beautiful ideas says it perfectly:

One common misconception about doulas is that they are only for women who plan on having a drug-free (or “natural” or unmedicated) childbirth.

This is simply not true!

Doulas are for all women, even those who are think that they might want to use epidural medication during labor.

Notably, some doulas only take on clients who are planning for a drug-free birth. In most cases, however, you will be able to find a local doula who will support you even if you strongly desire to use an epidural during labor.  (And it is always best to ask prospective doulas about the sort of support they offer when a woman chooses to use an epidural!)

Here are some of the ways that s/he can offer this support:

A doula can help you receive accurate and transparent information about epidurals before labor

Although they are generally very effective forms of pain relief during labor, epidurals are not without risks or potential negative side effects.  They can lead to anything from a drop in the mother’s blood pressure to fetal distress to an increased risk of forceps and vacuum delivery.

A doula can help to explain these risks to you during a prenatal meeting so that you can make as informed a decision as possible about your birth choices.  Just think–most of us don’t even want to take an over-the-counter pill without knowing its potential side effects before we take it.  The same goes for an epidural!

A doula can help you to wait as long as possible before getting an epidural

Waiting as long as possible to receive an epidural can help to minimize some of the epidural risks, such as fetal malpositioning or slowing of labor progress.  The physical and emotional comfort measures that a doula offers can help you to cope with contractions until you do want an epidural.  And you might even find that you are coping well enough to forego the epidural and the potential negative side effects that accompany it!

And even if you are completely set on getting an epidural as soon as possible, it is very unlikely that you will be able to receive an epidural as soon as you walk into the door of the hospital!  Most women have to wait–some even up to a few hours–in between requesting an epidural and actually receiving one.  A doula can help you to cope with your contractions during that “waiting period.”

A doula will remain non-judgmental about your choice to receive epidural analgesia during labor

Some women who use epidural analgesia hear things like this from their friends and family members:

“Oh, I knew you couldn’t do it without drugs!” or “Yeah, I’m glad you weren’t a martyr for the pain!” or “Aren’t you glad that you just gave in and went for the drugs?!”

A doula worth her weight in birth balls would never make insensitive and demeaning claims like these!  And this is partly because doulas don’t think that women need to be rescued from the pain of childbirth.  All women are strong–strong enough to cope with the pain of labor, but also strong enough to choose for themselves (and not under pressure of the hospital staff or friends and family members) when they would prefer to use pain medication during labor.

A doula can stay with you for the epidural administration

Generally, anesthesiologists will allow one support person to stay with you while s/he administers an epidural.  Some will allow more than one.  But even if only one person is allowed to stay for the epidural, a doula might come in handy if your partner is known to get queasy or faint at the sight of needles, blood, and medical procedures!

A doula can help you to change positions during your labor

Even though epidurals greatly limit a woman’s mobility, this doesn’t mean that women must lie completely still on their backs when they are using an epidural.  In fact, it is important for women to stay as mobile as possible, even while using an epidural!

Turning from side to side every twenty to thirty minutes, sitting up (with the help of someone else), or simply rotating between side-lying and sitting can help to prevent a common side effect of epidurals–namely, fetal malpositioning, which can lead to slowed labor progress and, often, cesarean section.  A doula can help you to change positions–or even just to remind you to change positions–so that you can avoid these potential side effects.

A doula will ensure that you–and not the tubes and machines surrounding you–are the center of attention

Some women find that after they receive an epidural, the hospital staff and others around them almost “forget” as if they exist anymore.  The focus seems to turn solely toward the fetal monitor, the blood pressure cuff, and the IV fluids and/or medication–but not toward the woman who is still laboring.

While a doula does not play as active of a role after a mother receives an epidural, her attention is still always turned toward the laboring woman.  Whether she is reminding and/or assisting you in changing positions, “tucking you in” so that you can sleep, reminding you to ask questions about recommended interventions, or simply continuing supporting you emotionally, you are always her primary focus!

So don’t think that a doula “isn’t for you” if you have your heart set on an epidural.  Doula support can offer benefits to all types of women–even those who strongly desire epidurals during labor!

(http://birthingbeautifulideas.com/?p=1654)


Check out these great articles as well:

http://offbeatfamilies.com/2012/03/doula-at-hospital-birth

http://www.bloomspokane.com/2011/06/30/ill-take-a-doula-and-an-epidural/