Going to the Hospital Too Soon
As a mom, I went to the hospital too early with each one of my pregnancies and it can be very frustrating if she is having regular contractions and is being sent home. If she is up to it, you can attempt to go for a walk at the mall or go window shopping to help distract her and see if the contractions continue getting stronger. If not, try to go home and encourage her to rest. Early labor is usually the longest period of labor and it can be very unpredictable. It can last for hours or days, contact her doctor if she is unable to get any rest.
What Happens if Mom is in Active Labor or Labor is Progressing?
If they determine that she is in active labor or that her labor is progressing they will keep her at the hospital Most doctors will order the nurse to start an IV so that they can give mom fluids and draw blood work. Once mom is in active labor, this is where dad needs to step in and help her work through the contractions, as you have probably already discussed with her prior to this moment. Some moms want dad to leave her alone while others want dad to do things such as give her a massage, talk her through the contractions, or allow her to squeeze her hand. Dad it is best to discuss what she wants before this stage of labor so that you know how to respond; of course, she may change her mind half a dozen times as well. If that happens try to be patient with her while she is trying to deal with the pain.
Ask Your Doctor If You Can Move Around With Limited Monitoring Before You Are Admitted to Labor and Delivery
Some doctors want to constantly monitor the baby; however, if her doctor will allow her to move around while she is in labor you can try to encourage her to move around or change positions to help ease labor pains and keep labor progressing. Some things that she might try include: walking the halls of labor and delivery, stand up and sway through the contractions, use a birthing ball, take a shower, soak in the bath tub, sit in a rocking chair, or other birthing positions that she wanted to use to help her labor progress naturally. At this phase of labor, she may opt for pain medication or an epidural depending on her birth plan. If she didn’t have a birth plan written down; hopefully, she has communicated her wants to you so that you can assist her the best you can during the laboring process. If she wanted a natural birth, you can try to talk her out of the pain medications and help her refocus on her breathing techniques.
If you and your wife or significant other haven’t taken birthing classes yet, check out “Are Childbirth Classes Necessary for Expectant Mother’s?” The three popular birthing class available are: Lamaze Classes, Bradley Method, and Hypnobirthing. Being prepared for the birthing process can create a more calm and relaxing birth. These classes also teach you how to help your wife or significant other with her breathing techniques.
Dad Are You Ready to Meet Your Baby?
Comments
10 responses to “Dad’s Guide to Survive Active Labor”
This post brings back memories! Your angle, for dads, is neat. I remember my second baby’s birth taking fentinel, a pain med. It worked so well I was tempted to name my son after it, lol! (jk!)
Thanks Lisa, I hope that these posts will be helpful for a new dad. 🙂
Great tips! You might get a laugh by Googling “men in labor video.” I dont think these guys will ever mistake the signs after this experience!
I have seen that video, it is hilarious. Maybe that is where I got some inspiration for some of the dad posts but I feel that they aren’t always in the loop when it comes to pregnancy and don’t always know how to ask their other half about sensitive topics.
I would not have gotten through labor very well without my husband’s support. Dads, we really do need you! This child birthing thing is NOT easy.
I agree dad’s are very important.
Wow, I have to tell you, what sticks out here for me is going to the hospital too early. And we (dad and me) were both panicking. We were so excited and so ready to be finished with the discomfort and frustration of the final trimester! Husbands are indeed vital in those end stages of confusion and angst. Great post.
I went to the hospital with my third because I was having some pretty painful braxton hicks contractions and I was shocked that they sent me home. The contractions on the monitor were pretty strong, I was worried that I was going to be sent home to have a baby there.
Knowing when to go to the hospital is so hard! With my son I was induced, so no problem there, but I nearly didn’t make it to the hospital with my daughter because I waited too long. Thank goodness we got there in time!
Yes it is. I knew with my first pregnancy because my water broke. I was induced with my second baby. And after several false labor runs with my third, I ended up with a c-section.