What's growing
Term
About 50 cm. Brain is 25% of adult size — most growth is still ahead.
Source: Moore, Persaud & Torchia, The Developing Human, 11th ed. (2020)
What's changing in you
Most readiness signs are quiet
Bloody show, looser stools, mild contractions. Real labor builds; pre-labor stops and starts.
Source: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed. (Cunningham et al., 2022)
General info — not personalized medical advice.
Maternal brain
Resist comparison
Other people's labor stories are not yours. Limit input now.
Source: Nilsson et al., Women and Birth 31(1), 2018 — Fear of childbirth review
You & baby
Sit with baby, no agenda
Five minutes. Hand on belly. Breathing. The relationship is already real.
Source: Cranley, Nursing Research 30(5), 1981 — Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale
For your partner
Be the steady one
Continuous support during labor reduces interventions and improves satisfaction. Your presence is medicine.
Source: Bohren et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2017 — Continuous support during childbirth
Move with care
Move when it helps, rest when it doesn't
Walking, swaying, stair-climbing — only as long as it feels good. Rest counts more now (ACOG 804).
Source: ACOG Committee Opinion 804 (reaffirmed 2020) — Physical Activity and Exercise During Pregnancy
General info — not personalized medical advice.
Eat for two brains
Eat early labor like a hike
Steady, light, salty-savory foods if labor starts. Save heavy meals for after.
Source: Biagi et al., Nutrients 11(5), 2019 — Mediterranean diet in pregnancy
General info — not personalized medical advice.
60-second prompt
What do you want the first words to be?
Hello. I'm here. I love you. Decide on purpose.
Source: Lieberman et al., Psychological Science 18(5), 2007 — Affect labeling
Developed and curated by perinatal psychologists, family & couples counsellors, doulas, perinatal health & fitness specialists, and IBCLCs / lactation consultants. Educational — not a substitute for medical care.