Early labor is usually a time of fun. You may actually spend quite a bit of it wondering if this is really labor. Other women sleep through these light contractions or go about their day without really noticing a difference.
What You Might Be Feeling
- Contractions that are very manageable
- Low backache
- Loose stools
- Bloody show or increased mucous (mucous plug)
Behavior & Attitude
Generally you'll be excited in this phase of labor. After all your baby will be here soon, the end of pregnancy is near and you're moving on to the next phase of parenting. Some women will be nervous, not knowing what will happen once labor gets more intense.
Partners tend to be a bit more panicked during this phase. This is the last chance to get everything done. They wonder if they will know how to support you in labor. The good news is that when the women are calm the partners panic and when the women are panicked the partners are calm, so it all works out well.
Photo © Robin Elise Weiss
