WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Is It Too Early to Think About Labor?

Childbirth
Stages of labor
Is It Too Early to Think About Labor?
You're probably feeling a lot more energized than you did in those exhausting first few weeks, and morning sickness may finally be a thing of the past.
The Second Trimester Buzz: A Perfect Time to Think About Labor?
Now that you're here, you might be wondering, "Is it too early to think about labor?" The answer is a resounding "No!"
Preparing mentally, emotionally, and physically for labor can actually be empowering, and the second trimester is an excellent time to get started.
  • Mentally: Know the stages of labor, familiarize yourself with medical jargon, and maybe even create a birth plan.
  • Emotionally: Speak with other moms, join a community, or discuss your thoughts and feelings with your partner.
  • Physically: Begin pelvic floor exercises, perhaps enroll in a prenatal yoga class, and discuss pain relief options with your healthcare provider.
The Mental Game: Understanding Stages and Terms
The more you know, the less you fear, right?
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of labor stages and medical terminology.
The labor process is generally divided into three stages: latent phase, active phase, and transitional phase. During the latent phase, your cervix will begin to dilate but you're not in full-blown labor yet.
The active phase is where the real action starts, with contractions coming closer together and dilation picking up speed.
Finally, the transitional phase is your last lap before the grand finale: meeting your baby!
  • Latent Phase: Contractions begin, cervix starts to dilate (0-4 cm).
  • Active Phase: Contractions are 3-5 minutes apart, and cervix dilates further (4-7 cm).
  • Transitional Phase: Intense contractions, cervix dilates fully (8-10 cm), and baby descends into the birth canal.
Understanding these terms and stages will help you feel more in control and less anxious as D-day approaches.
You might also want to jot down a birth plan that outlines your preferences, like whether you want an epidural or aim for a natural birth.
Remember, while plans are great, flexibility during labor is key!
The Emotional Prep: Build Your Support Network
You don't have to go through this journey alone!
The second trimester is a wonderful time to build your support network.
Whether it’s your partner, family, or friends, keeping an open line of communication about your feelings and fears can make a world of difference.
If you're looking for more targeted advice and experiences, consider joining a pregnancy community or forum.
  • Speak with Other Moms: Hearing firsthand accounts can demystify the process.
  • Consult Your Partner: They might also have thoughts, fears, and hopes for labor.
  • Join a Community: Online or in-person groups can offer invaluable support and resources.
Emotional preparation can also involve thinking through pain management strategies.
Will you opt for an epidural, or are you considering hypnobirthing?
Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to ensure you're making the best decision for you and your baby.
Physical Preparation: Your Body, Your Temple
Now that your bump is growing and you're feeling those exciting baby kicks, it's time to focus on physical preparation.
A strong body can make a significant difference during labor, so consider taking up exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor and core.
Kegel exercises and prenatal yoga are fantastic options.
  • Kegel Exercises: Helps in strengthening pelvic floor muscles, essential for labor and postpartum recovery.
  • Prenatal Yoga: Enhances flexibility and mental focus.
  • Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss which exercises are suitable and safe for you.
Also, start discussing pain relief options with your healthcare provider.
Whether it’s an epidural, nitrous oxide, or natural methods like breathing exercises, knowing your options ahead of time will make you feel more in control when labor starts.
And there you have it!
It's never too early to start thinking about labor, especially when you're in the groove of your second trimester.
So go ahead, dive in and prepare away!
Learn more
Demystifying Preterm Labor
3 min read
The Second Stage of Labor: Pushing and Delivery
3 min read
The Psychological Impact of Labor
3 min read
t
tomi
11 Feb 2024

Is it too early to test? My boyfriend and I conceived Feb 4th, I’m supposed to start my cycle on the 18th. I have been taking tests out of pure anxiety and I’m getting faint positives off and on. Too early? I am so stressed, wanting this baby is all i am thinking about. I have an appointment on the 16th for confirmation but I am really worried that might even be too early?

Childbirth Stages of labor
31 comments
R
Rose
Thats a positive
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rose
How many pregnancy tests did you take and i feel like a digital one would be more accurate.
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jasmine
26 Sep 2023

When are you guys going to stop working? Or are y'all working until you go into labor? I'm due a Dec. 6th but I really want my last day to be November 23rd. Is this too early you think? I'm just so sick of my job and I'm already having pelvic pain.

Childbirth Stages of labor
22 comments
s
shian
im gonna try to rock out as far as i can, im due dec 3rd
27 Mar 2024

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Jasmine
good luck to you ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Trinitee
19 Sep 2023

When do you guys think I should stop working? I was thinking 35 weeks but I’m not really sure if that’s too early or not. I don’t qualify for maternity leave at all and I work about 50 mins away from the hospital I’ll be giving birth at, so I don’t want to risk going into labor while at work.

Childbirth Stages of labor
3 comments
B
Becca
Girl when your body can’t take it anymore.
27 Mar 2024

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Tyshena
I feel like just listen to your body when you start feeling like it’s too much that’s when you should stop or more so when your due date is close
27 Mar 2024

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Taylor R
6 Aug 2023

Is it too early to talk/ask about delivery? Like a c section date? Or a possible Vbac? Should I wait. I’ll be 23 weeks next week….

Childbirth Stages of labor
26 comments
J
Jessica
Girl once you know let me know I’ll be 23 weeks tomorrow. Leg cramps are terrible, anxiety attacks are more consistent and I’m just struggling a lot over here. I love her being in there but I’m not sure how much I can take with the anxiety attacks and without being on medication. This is terrible 🥺
27 Mar 2024

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Taylor R
Aww man I hope everything gets better for you I’m sorry 🥺
27 Mar 2024

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E
Earlinea💕 Earlinea
17 Apr 2023

I know I'm still very early. But has anyone thought of birthing plans? I'm not a fan of needles. But would much rather go thru the pains of a natural labor than to think about an epidural.

Childbirth Stages of labor
1 comments
D
Dante’nee
I did epidural with my first child and I’m thinking natural this time around
27 Mar 2024

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stephh
8 Aug 2022

These contractions hurt so bad they went on all night up until now it’s too early to be in labor

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
I
Infinity
Same for me last night and today so painful . I have 7 days until my scheduled C-section and im really hoping she holds off for the 7 days
27 Mar 2024

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stephh
I hope she hold off too , these babies ain’t playing they want out
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brook
7 Aug 2022

I’ve been having irregular contractions since 6am yesterday. They are now starting to last longer almost a minute and some are very intense but they are only staying about 6 mins apart. Im not sure if it’s still too early to go or if it’s labor at all 😅

Childbirth Stages of labor
3 comments
B
Bianca
I’ll go r eat some pineapples
27 Mar 2024

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shanterica
I go in lasting longer most definitely.. baby seem to be ready u full term to i see hope u a safe delivery love
27 Mar 2024

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K
Krystal
23 Jun 2022

What do y’all do for your leaking boobs🤦‍♀️ it’s like I want to pump but can’t because it’s too early and I don’t want to go into preterm labor I’m already at risk for him coming early

Childbirth Stages of labor
7 comments
P
Passion
Haaka its a suction cup breast pump
27 Mar 2024

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P
Passion
yes or the regular haaka either will work i like the cup one better you can wear it under bra lol
27 Mar 2024

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m
madison
19 May 2022

7 weeks tomorrow. Im thinking about announcing at 10 weeks is that too early you think?

Childbirth Stages of labor
3 comments
M
Megan
Everyone feels different on that. Technically it's never too early. I told close family after my first ultrasound which i had at 7 weeks. I'll tell more after my next appointment which is at 12 weeks. I just want to confirm the health of embryo/fetus before I spread the good news
27 Mar 2024

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M
Myra
I announced mine at 5weeks. It's whenever you feel comfortable announcing your pregnancy there's no right or wrong answer. Some choose to wait until 2nd trimester cause chance of miscarriage decreases then. But again it's when you feel comfortable doing it hun.
27 Mar 2024

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🎃👻Greycee🎃👻
12 May 2022

I'm so worried and scared 😳 😟Please stay in baby it's too early even though I want to meet you but I want you stronger please wait😟 Back pains cramps and inner hip joint pains I'm freaking out momma's 🫣 I'm trying to not go into labor it's too early baby 😟 what do I do my anxiety is at the highest 😟

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
C
Ceci
🙏🙏🙏 Have you gone to the hospital to get checked??
27 Mar 2024

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🎃👻Greycee🎃👻
yes I just got out of the hospital went in on Mother's day and was out Tuesday morning I dilated to 1 and 30% efface he's head down and I have a short cervix they said I feel him low 😟
27 Mar 2024

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