Catholic Health Labor & Delivery
Early Labor
Early Labor
Catholic Health
Labor & Delivery
Early Labor
Early Labor
At Catholic Health, the comfort and safety of both you and your baby are our top priorities. During early labor, our goal is to reduce the risk of complications and ensure your birth plan goes as expected.
Shower or Soak
Water therapy, such as taking a shower or soaking in the bathtub, can greatly reduce pain and allow your muscles to relax.
Move
Any sort of movement during early labor can be very helpful to both reduce discomfort for you and to ease the journey for your baby.
Remain Upright
Upright positions are beneficial as gravity helps your baby move lower and prepares your body for delivery. You may also find different positions more comfortable, depending on the position of your baby.
Bend Knees
Squatting positions can offer some relief and help during labor, as the pelvis naturally increases in size when your knees are bent.
Birthing Balls
A birthing ball can reduce pain by providing a comfortable position, while enabling free and easy movement.
Shift
When in bed for rest or after an epidural, moving from side-to-side and placing a pillow between your knees can help keep labor progressing.
5-1-1
When contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each for at least 1 hour and increasing in severity, it’s time to call your provider and go to the hospital.