23 Activities for Early Labor in 2023! (Copy)
UPDATED LIST! 23 Activities to try at home whether its prodromal labor or moving into the real thing and you’re patiently waiting (and hopefully RESTING!) as you wait for active labor to begin!
Rest! If you only do one thing from this list, RESTING should be it! Try to sleep and stay in bed if its nighttime. If you do any other activity, try to follow it with rest. Conserving your energy is THE top priority in this phase.
Stretch. What do you see dogs or cats do when they get up from sleep/rest? STRETCH! It feels good and does wonders for your body.
Yoga. Gentle yoga is so good for your mind and body! It relaxes you, opens hips and pelvis while helping you breathe through discomfort and brings focus inward, all things you will really need to focus on in active labor!
Go for a walk. Walking is great for helping baby get into a good position. The gravity will help contractions grow closer together and in intensity.
Pack last minutes things in bag. Grab those last minute toiletries and your phone charger! Set all of the last minute things by the door so its ready to go when you are!
Pamper yourself. Be it a face mask or a nail touch up, massage from your partner or other support person...its a nice and relaxing (and distracting!) activity.
Watch a movie. Put on a romcom or a favorite lighthearted movie (nothing that will cause fear or stress as that could interfere with the beneficial birth hormones!) to pass the time in a restful way! Try different, yet restful positions to help facilitate baby moving down!
Bake cookies. What a fun and yummy way to pass the time! You could even freeze the dough for an easy dessert later! Cookies aren’t your thing? Whip up a few breakfast sandwiches or muffins for the freezer! Pssst! If you finish the cookies before active labor hits, I’m sure your doula and birth team at the hospital would love to be taste testers ;)
Bath- Submerge that belly and let the warm water do its thing! You will be so amazed at how lovely it feels to be held by the water. Hydrotherapy is my favorite labor tool! Not only is it relaxing, it helps with pain management!
Lunges. Another great way to aid in positioning of and moving baby down!
Stairs. See above! Do them sideways a few at a time, alternate which leg goes first. The asymmetrical movement will help baby engage.
Spend some time in the nursery or write a note to your baby! Tidy up the nursery, say a prayer, remind yourself that you will be meeting your baby soon! A sweet note from your time in labor will be a great addition to your baby book!
Intimacy. You know what they say! The same thing that got baby in, can help get baby out! Cuddling, kissing, and sex all promote the production of oxytocin, which is the love AND labor hormone! So long as your water hasn’t broken, sex is on the table, and it will be the last chance you get for a while!
Eat! Think like you are preparing for a marathon! A nutrient-dense, well-rounded meal! Protein and carbs will help you reach the calories you need to get you through the hard work of childbirth. (Consider playing it a little safe!)
Hydrate! Drinks lots of water and other hydrating fluids. I love lemon-water to give you electrolytes and help settle your stomach.
Exercise ball. Spend some time on the exercise ball to help open the pelvis! Write the alphabet, do figure-8s in alternating directions and even use the ball for different positions.
Play a game! Do you have a favorite game you and your partner like to play? Be it cards or a board game, it will be a great way to relax, have fun and bond, and take your mind off of labor!
Clean. What better way to kill some time than to tidy up! You will feel good about bringing baby home to clean house, and the movement will help with...you guessed it...positioning! Just remember to not overdo it- conserve as much energy as you can!
Miles Circuit. Yet another great tool for getting baby into an optimal position! If contractions haven’t changed, completing this series may help kickstart active labor. Grab the guide!
Communicate. Talk to your partner about how you are feeling! Let your birth team know you are in early labor. But maybe don’t let your whole circle know! The texts and requests for updates might mess with your head and interrupt…
REST! Seriously! Lay down!
Shower- Yes I’m back to the hydrotherapy thing! Its the NUMBER ONE thing I suggest to my mamas before heading the the hospital. Like I mentioned above, the water hitting your back and shoulders and belly can be SO incredibly relaxing. It really is my favorite pain management technique!
DO LIFE! If contractions aren’t picking up or growing in intensity, consider going about your day as normally as possible. Drop off that amazon return, grab a Starbucks, do your grocery pickup, head to a park, keep your evening plans...whatever it is you would normally do, stick to it!