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What is happening during the first stage of labour?

How do I know if this is labour?
If this is your first labour, it can take a while to reach this stage, but with subsequent births this can happen more quickly. If you are ever unsure, or are planning to make your way to the hospital, call your maternity unit first to talk to someone. You can then make a plan together.
Your care during Labour
This includes if your waters have broken, if you have had any bleeding, and how your baby is moving. They will then offer to monitor your blood pressure, pulse, temperature and check your urine.
Your Contractions
Contractions also respond to the environment. They like a quiet, warm, dark space that feels safe and comfortable. Think about low lights, soft music and home comforts, even in a hospital environment.
Sometimes contractions slow down or reduce. A change of position, eating or drinking or being more mobile may help increase their frequency and strength. You can use birthing balls, beanbags and water to support you in more upright positions. Your birth partner or midwife can remind you to eat and drink throughout labour to keep your energy levels up.

Listening to your baby’s heartbeat
In some circumstances, your midwife may monitor your baby’s heartbeat continuously. You might already know to expect this, or sometimes concerns arise in labour and your midwife will explain why continuous monitoring is now recommended.
Although this type of monitoring can limit how mobile you are, you don’t need to stay on the bed. Discuss using a birthing ball with your midwife, or trying different positions on the bed or floor. You may wish to ask if cordless monitoring is available.




What can I do to help myself in labour?

Being in an upright position and being mobile will help labour to be quicker and easier.
Going for a walk, using a birth pool or using a birth ball are all options too.
Keep your energy levels up with food and drink. Your body works hard during your labour and you will need your energy.

The more relaxed you feel the easier first stage of labour will be. Things such as massage and breathing techniques make a real difference to how you feel on the day.
Your midwife will remind you to pee regularly, as it can be difficult to feel your bladder, but it is important as a full bladder can slow labour. Occasionally your midwife may offer to empty your bladder with a temporary catheter.
You may have thoughts on whether you use pain relieving drugs in labour. This of course is not set in stone and plans can change. Your midwife will be guided by your wishes.
The labour journey is often one that has many twists and turns, your midwife is there to support you, your family and your choices. You and your baby are unique, and your maternity care providers will work together to create your best birth on the day.
More information can be found on nhs.uk/pregnancy