Getting Ready for Labor: What Every Mom Should Know

As your due date approaches, it's natural to feel both excited and nervous about labor and delivery. The key to feeling more confident is being prepared. While every birth is different and you can't control everything, there are plenty of things you can do to get ready for this big day.

Let's walk through everything you need to know about preparing for labor, from recognizing the signs to packing your hospital bag and making important decisions about pain management.

Recognizing the Signs of Labor

Knowing when you're actually in labor (versus false labor) can save you unnecessary trips to the hospital. Here are the key signs to watch for:

True Labor Contractions

• Get stronger and closer together over time
• Don't go away when you change positions or walk
• Usually start in your back and move to the front
• Feel like intense menstrual cramps or pressure

Your Water Breaking

This can be a big gush or a slow leak. The fluid is usually clear or slightly yellow. If your water breaks, note the time and color, and call your healthcare provider right away, even if you're not having contractions yet.

Bloody Show

This is when you lose your mucus plug, which may be tinged with blood. It can happen days or hours before active labor begins. It's normal, but heavy bleeding is not.

When to Go to the Hospital

The timing depends on whether this is your first baby or if you've given birth before:

First-Time Moms

Use the 5-1-1 rule: contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. First labors tend to be longer, so you usually have time to labor at home for a while.

Experienced Moms

Head to the hospital when contractions are 7-10 minutes apart. Subsequent labors often progress more quickly, so don't wait too long.

Go Immediately If:

• Your water breaks and the fluid is brown or green
• You have heavy bleeding
• You notice decreased baby movement
• You have severe constant pain
• Your instincts tell you something's wrong

Packing Your Hospital Bag

Pack your bag by 36 weeks, just in case. You'll want to pack for both labor and your postpartum stay. Here's what to include:

For Labor and Delivery

• Comfortable robe and slippers
• Hair ties and headband
• Lip balm and lotion
• Music, aromatherapy, or other comfort items
• Snacks for your partner
• Phone charger
• Copy of your birth plan

For Your Hospital Stay

• Comfortable pajamas or nightgowns (front-opening for nursing)
• Nursing bras (2-3) and nursing pads
• Underwear you don't mind throwing away
• Toiletries and personal care items
• Going-home outfit (in your 6-month pregnant size)
• Important documents and insurance cards

For Baby

• Going-home outfit in newborn and 0-3 month sizes
• Blanket for the car ride home
• Properly installed car seat

Creating a Birth Plan

A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labor and delivery. While you need to stay flexible (birth rarely goes exactly as planned), it helps communicate your wishes to your healthcare team.

Things to Consider Including:

• Pain management preferences
• Who you want in the delivery room
• Positions you'd like to try during labor
• Preferences for interventions (episiotomy, IV, monitoring)
• Immediate postpartum wishes (skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping)
• Feeding preferences for baby

Pain Management Options

Natural Pain Relief

• Breathing techniques and visualization
• Position changes and movement
• Massage and counter-pressure
• Water therapy (shower or tub)
• Heat and cold therapy
• Aromatherapy and music

Medical Pain Relief

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• IV pain medications
• Epidural anesthesia
• Spinal block

Remember, there's no "right" way to manage pain during labor. What matters is what works best for you in the moment.

Preparing Mentally and Emotionally

Take a Childbirth Class

Classes help you understand what to expect and teach you practical coping techniques. Many hospitals offer classes, or you can find independent instructors who teach Lamaze, Bradley Method, or HypnoBirthing.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Learn breathing exercises, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. Practice these regularly so they become second nature when you need them during labor.

Prepare Your Support Person

Make sure your partner or support person knows your preferences and can advocate for you during labor. Consider hiring a doula for additional support.

Final Preparations

Plan Your Route

Know the best route to the hospital and have backup options. Consider traffic patterns and parking. Many hospitals offer tours so you can familiarize yourself with the layout.

Arrange Childcare

If you have other children, make sure you have reliable childcare arrangements that can be activated at any time of day or night.

Prepare Your Home

Set up the nursery, stock up on essentials, and prepare meals you can freeze. You'll be grateful to come home to a organized, welcoming space.