Comfort measures
Early Labor
Early labor may be irregular and can last many hours. Eat, drink and rest if you can.
Three things to try now
Watch something that reliably makes you laugh
Familiar comedy can interrupt clock-watching and help the early hours pass.
Try a warm bath with the lights low
Warm water may reduce discomfort. Get out if you feel lightheaded or too hot.
Eat something and try to sleep
If your care team has not advised otherwise, food and rest can preserve energy for later.
More to try
- Eat nourishing foods
- Take a nap
- Walk gently
- Warm bath
- Watch a favorite movie
- Dim the lights
- Slow breathing
- Stay in your safe space
Hormone note
Oxytocin loves safety, privacy and comfort.
For your partner
- • Prepare snacks
- • Fill the water bottle
- • Protect the calm atmosphere
- • Keep the lights low