As a doula, this is the number one question I get asked: Am I in labor?
If your bag of waters has not ruptured yet but you are experiencing contractions, use a contraction timer (I like this one, but any time will work really). Before you tether yourself to the contraction timer, I want you to drink a big glass of water and lay down for a little bit. If you notice that you are too uncomfortable to rest then time the contractions. Remember the duration of each contraction is from start to finish and the frequency is from the start of one to the start of another. Once you have timed a few of your contractions, put the timer down. You don’t need to time each one. I still want you to rest as much as you are able to. Early labor is a great time for you and your partner to rest and relax together. It will boost your oxytocin which will help keep labor progressing.
As contractions get a little more intense and more frequent, it might be a good idea to contact your doula and provider. If you are planning a hospital birth, it is often recommended that you head to labor and delivery when contractions are five minutes apart, a minute long and this pattern has been happening for an hour. Ideally this is when active labor is starting.
As your doula I’m going to tell you to stay home until you absolutely can not anymore. Remember that you know your body best, and that it's ok to head into Labor and Delivery when you are ready. Just be sure to keep your doula in the loop so they can provide the best support to you.
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