Pregnancy Mistakes You Can Make During Labor

Don't concentrate too much on the first signs of labor. This is only going to stress you out, getting you all frazzled and you might end up getting to the hospital too early. Obviously you want to make sure you get to the delivery room on time but labor can actually progress more productively and quickly if you stay at home until contractions are more frequent and regular. Moving around in your own familiar place can help things progress nicely.

False labor pains are quite common as well, and if you pay too much attention to them, you might be convinced about a dozen times that you're in active labor. Take a deep breath, if you think the contractions are coming at a regular pace, time them, and relax. Call your doctor if you have any questions or think you might be going into the 'real thing'. Don't diagnose yourself to be in labor and start practicing techniques you may have learned. If you can ignore the contractions, do so. When they're the real thing, you'll know and you definitely won't be able to disregard them.

Make sure you rest when you're supposed to. If you're nearing your due date, don't sit up all night waiting for labor to strike. Make sure you get as much rest as you possibly can, and stay on schedule as much as possible. You'll need your rest, especially if you experience a longer labor. Some mom's to be get excited at the first contraction and want to stay up and experience each one. You won't miss out on the birth of your child, so missing a few hours of mild contractions is no big deal.

Depending on your medical situation you may be advised not to eat when you go into active labor. The reasons for this typically have to do with the medication you are administered during your labor and possible interactions that could occur. However, if you're still at home and you're hungry feel free to eat something nourishing that will give you energy for the delivery ahead. Some doctors will even approve you to eat once you have arrived at the hospital depending on how far you have progressed when you arrive. Staying hydrated and fueled is actually a much better idea than feeling weak, hungry, and dehydrated.

Don't do it alone. You're probably going to be accompanied to the hospital with your spouse, partner, or a trusted family member or friend. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance if you need it. If there's something that might help relax you or make you feel better, speak up and ask for it. Don't worry about asking your spouse for a backrub, or having them get you a glass of cold water if you want one. You're the one doing all the work here, so if there's something you need, you make sure you get it. Physical and emotional support is key in getting through your labor and enjoying it as much as possible.

Don't ignore what you've learned during your nine months. You've probably taken some childbirth classes or Lamaze classes, read some books and have done some research online. When you're right in the middle of labor you might forget some of the important things you've learned, but if you think that might happen, bring a list of things that might help you through it. Also make sure your coach is aware as well so they can remind you and you can utilize what you've been taught.

Don't be unreasonable about medical intervention. If you've chosen to have a natural birth there's nothing wrong with that at all. However, keep in mind there are situations that will arise unexpectedly during your labor that might require some intervention that you had not initially anticipated. Listen to the advice of your doctor, and if he thinks an adjustment to your birthing plan should be made then trust him. For example, if your water breaks and you have not delivered in a certain period of time, doctors usually insist upon speeding up the delivery process in order to prevent infection. This is a very valid concern, and it's not wise to refuse induction just to keep your birth plan. You could be harming yourself as well as your unborn child.