Firstly being able to identify when your partner goes into proper labour is vital, women usually experience a false labour in the later stages of their pregnancy.
Signs to look for are:
- The waters break, this means that the labour should happen not long after, if not infection can occur therefore the women may have to be induced.
- Lower back pains, if your partner is experiencing a back pain which wont shift, this pain is usually similar to what she would feel during her menstrual cycle.
- Mucus plug passes, if the cervix passes this means that things are beginning to happen it can take a few days for the labour to occur but it confirms movement.
- Longer contractions, if the contractions begin to have very short intervals between them and the pain is getting more and more intense.
Don’t leave too early for the hospital as there is a good chance you and your partner will get sent back home for example if she is only one centimetre dilated the hospital wont be able to do anything as of yet. Try to take your partners mind off the contractions this can be difficult as you will both be feeling emotional but the lead up to the birth wont feel so long if you can try and get her to relax, this is easier said than done.
Knowing how to time contractions is key to reassuring your partner because you will know when early labour is setting in. It is time to get your things together if the contractions are five minutes apart, last more than thirty seconds and continue in this trend for around an hour. Before setting off it is important to speak to a midwife as they can help confirm that your partner is in labour.
Have realistic expectations about the birth don’t think its like a film where its over in a few moments, especially if you are a first time dad expect a long labour. There are three main stages of labour:
Stage One – At most stage one can last for up twenty four hours. This stage covers the progressing of the labour as the contractions get longer and more intense. Remember what you have been taught in the birthing classes for example the breathing and relaxation techniques.
Stage Two – This is where the pushing begins, this stage can last on average about an hour. There is a few decisions to be made about this stage for example should you cut the cord when the baby is born and you need to check to make sure you are allowed to take photos as some hospitals don’t allow this.
Stage Three - After the baby is born he placenta has to be delivered and usually takes about ten minutes, give your partner a few moment to get her strength back as this stage can be an anticlimax after the monumental birth.
Be careful as it will be difficult to tell what your partner needs, some women like to be massaged during labour but some don't, let them tell you what they need don't just assume.
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