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During pregnancy, there’s a lot of attention lavished on the person

growing the baby— and rightfully so. It’s hard work to make a human...and

get it out of your body! However, that doesn’t mean that birth partners (dads,

moms, family members, or even close friends) shouldn’t get support and

education along the way!

So partners, you’re in luck. We’ve created this short, simple guide to birth

partner preparation. Here, you’ll find information on everything from

identifying contractions to tips and tricks for labor support. We’ve got your

back— so you can have hers.

INTRODUCTION

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False labor contractions may be erratic, in terms of both time and intensity.

Often, these contractions are felt mostly in the front of the uterus. If the con-

tractions stop when she uses the bathroom, drinks water, changes positions,

or lie down, they’re probably not the real thing. Ditto for if they cease during

a bath or shower.

The key difference is that “real” labor contractions occur at regular intervals

and get closer together as time goes on. Generally, contractions during labor

last about 15-30 seconds, getting longer as labor progresses. They also increase

in intensity, don’t change with movement or position, and are often felt in

both the front of the body and the back. Labor contractions may also be

accompanied by increased vaginal discharge or spotting, which is a good

sign that her cervix is dilating.

The best way to tell if your partner is really, truly in labor is to time your con-

tractions (the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians agrees).

There are plenty of contraction timer apps out there (including Bloomlife’s

automated contraction tracker) but a watch and a piece of paper will also

work just fine in a pinch.

False Labor Contractions

(Braxton Hicks)

How to tell False Labor from Real Labor Contractions

Timing ofContractions

Do not come regularly and do not get closer together

Come at regular times and get closer together over time. Each lasts

about 30 to 70 seconds

Change with Movement

Contractions may stop when walking or resting, or they may stop with a

change of position.

Contractions continue despite movement or resting.

Usually weak and do not get much stronger, or may start strong and

get weaker

Get steadily strongerStrength ofContractions

Pain ofContractions

Usually felt only in the front Usually starts in the back and moves to the front

source : http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq004.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20120801T1121182122

TrueLabor Contractions(Baby on the way!)

STAGE 1

Braxton Hicks Contractions:

Your everyday contraction.

Named after an English doctor. Braxton Hicks contractions

are essentially "warm up" contractions. They are totally normal

and usually start in the second trimester. Often the woman

will feel a quick hardening or tightening of the uterus. usu­

ally felt in the front. Dehydration or exertion can bring them

on. She may feel them at night. especially after a long day.

Just a gentle reminder again. these little twinges are normal

and no reason to grab the hospital bag and run out the door.

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Early Labor Contractions:Go time.. . but not quite yet.

STAGE 2

These contractions may be slightly uncomfortable and feel

like mild to moderate menstrual cramps. Usually, they’re inter-

mittent and variable, seven to ten or even twenty or more

minutes apart. Your partner may be able to sleep or do other

activities while experiencing them.

You should aim to stay home during early labor. Create a

relaxing space for your partner to rest through early labor,

with low lights and a calm vibe. If that’s not her thing, help-

ing her distract herself through other activities (like walking,

cooking, or watching a favorite TV show or movie) is a good

idea, too.

Active Labor Contractions:Now it ’s go time.

Things are picking up in active labor, with contractions com-

ing closer together, from about 4-5 minutes apart and lasting

around 30 seconds to a minute. This is usually when your

doctor or midwife suggests it is a good time to head to your

chosen place of birth—when contractions are strong, regular,

and progressing (getting closer together). Most people experi-

ence these as painful, in both the front and back of the uterus. Your partner may need more emotional reassurance or help with comfort measures during this time.

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STAGE 3

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Transition Contractions:Baby is on the way.

Transition is the time when the cervix changes from 8-10

centimeters. It’s often the hardest and most difficult part

of labor, the time when people say “I can’t do this!”. Transi-

tion contractions are long (up to two minutes) and strong,

with short breaks in between. Often, they are accompanied

by large amounts of pressure in the vagina and rectum.

During transition, you may see your partner shaking, vom-

iting, having chills, and vocalizing quite a bit.

It’s common for people not to want to be touched or talked

to very much during transition, but if your partner does want

support, encouraging words and strong counter pressure

on her back can make a difference.

STAGE 4

Pushing Contractions:Here comes baby!

During the pushing stage, the laboring person will most

often feel a strong expulsion sensation with (and some-

times between) contractions, a feeling very much like

having to poop. It’s not uncommon for contractions to

slow down quite a bit during this time, allowing rest

in between. Some people say it feels good or pressure-

relieving to push during these contractions.

You can support your partner during pushing with lots of

encouraging statements like “You’re doing great” or “You

are so strong.” In hospital settings, you might find your-

self holding one of her legs as she pushes. It’s also helpful

to offer water, cool washcloths, lip balm or other small

things to keep her comfortable. Pushing is pretty darn

physically taxing!

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STAGE 5

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Sure, labor and birth may take you on an unexpected ride. But one thing is

guaranteed: in the end, you get to meet baby. In the meantime, remember

that little bit of preparation goes a long way.

Stay calm, birth partner— you’ve got this.

Are you interested in learning more about Bloomlife? Bloomlife gives you

important stats about patterns and timing of contractions to better com-

municate with your partner and care team and make confident decisions.

And your peace-of-mind and confidence is the key to preventing stress

and those annoyingly-futile drives to the hospital. To learn more about if

Bloomlife is right for you or your partner, click here.

CONCLUSION

Purchase a Bloomlife Gift Card Today!