Overview
If you came to the hospital while in early labour, your doctor or midwife may ask you to labour at home until your contractions are stronger.
Many women stay at home during early labour. This is often the longest part of the birthing process. It may last up to 2 to 3 days. Contractions are mild to moderate and shorter (about 30 to 45 seconds). You can usually keep talking during them. Contractions may also be irregular, about 5 to 20 minutes apart. They may even stop for a while.
Keep track of how often you're having contractions and how long each contraction lasts. The frequency of contractions is the time from the beginning of 1 contraction until the beginning of the next contraction. How long the contraction lasts is the duration.
It helps to stay as relaxed as you can during this time. You can spend some or all of your early labour at home or anywhere else you may be comfortable. If you live far from the hospital or birthing centre, you may want to think about going somewhere nearby so you can get back to the hospital quickly.
For some women, there may be benefits to staying home during early labour, such as avoiding medicines or procedures.
As labour progresses, you'll shift from early labour to active labour. During this time, contractions get more intense. They occur more often, about every 2 to 3 minutes. They also last longer, about 50 to 70 seconds. You will feel them even when you change positions and walk or move around.
It may be hard to tell if you are in active labour. If you aren't sure, call your doctor, midwife, or nurse advice line. As your labour progresses, check in with your doctor or midwife about when to come back to the hospital or birthing centre. You may have special instructions if your water broke or you tested positive for group B strep.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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