Pause, notice, and gather information
- If you are unsure whether labor is beginning, note when each contraction starts, how long it lasts, and whether the pattern becomes more regular or more intense.
- If your individual care plan allows, drink water, empty your bladder, eat something light, and rest on your side for about 30 minutes. Notice whether the pattern settles or continues.
- Trust your instincts. You do not need to wait for a perfect contraction pattern before calling Julia with a concern or question.
Call Julia when
- Contractions are becoming consistent in timing, length, and intensity.
- Your water releases as a gush or a trickle. Note the time, color, odor, and whether the baby is moving normally.
- You have bleeding beyond light spotting, decreased fetal movement, fever, severe pain, or anything that feels wrong.
- Your intuition tells you labor has begun, you feel you need support, or it is after 8 p.m. and you are wondering whether to call.
Timing contractions
- Start the timer when a contraction begins. The interval from the start of one contraction to the start of the next tells you how far apart they are.
- Time how long each contraction lasts from beginning to end. Active labor contractions often last about a minute, but patterns vary.
- Track for 30-60 minutes unless symptoms require an immediate call. Do not let an app delay you from contacting your midwife.
Before the birth team arrives
- Keep your phone nearby and charged.
- Make sure the birth team can enter the home; unlock the agreed door and turn on exterior lighting if needed.
- Gather the supply kit, towels, clean bedding, nourishment, and the completed emergency plan.