What Does a Mother Need to Know During Labor?

Proper Breathing

• Regardless of how you choose to labor -- without pain medication, with pain medication or a scheduled cesarean section -- it̵7;s important to know some breathing techniques. Even if you have a planned C-section, there̵7;s always the chance you̵7;ll spontaneously go into labor on your own and require ways to deal with the contractions. The proper breathing allows you to work through each contraction. By focusing on your breath, you̵7;re not thinking about the pain. A common breathing pattern is to inhale to a count of four and exhale to a count of four, according to the American Pregnancy Association. This keeps your body relaxed and prevents you from tensing up. Tension worsens pain and can slow labor progression.

Signs of Progression

• When you̵7;re in labor, you need to have some idea of how it̵7;s going to progress. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, labor typically begins with the onset of contractions. These can be described as regular cramps that start in your abdomen and often radiate around into your back. They increase in intensity over time and come at regular intervals. At some point during labor you will likely lose your mucus plug -- a bit of mucus, blood and tissue, which keeps the cervix closed -- and experience a ̶0;bloody show.̶1; You will continue to bleed like you̵7;re having a menstrual period until the baby is born. Contractions often intensify and get closer together the nearer to birth you become.

Eating and Drinking

• Some medical practitioners impose a strict rule that you can't eat any solid foods or drink liquids during labor. Only ice chips are allowed. However, this is a rule that is based on the idea that if you need emergency anesthesia for a C-section, you could vomit and aspirate the food. Since most labors are uncomplicated, more and more physicians are allowing for snacking during early labor and the consumption of clear liquids during the later stages. Research shows that women who were allowed to eat had labors that lasted 45 to 90 minutes less than those who were stuck with just ice chips, according to What to Expect.

When to See the Doctor or Midwife

• Many women choose to go through the early stages of labor at home. However, there is a time when you should go to the hospital or birthing center. This time will be predetermined by your physician or midwife. It is typically characterized by your contractions being a certain number of minutes apart and lasting a specific length of time. Often, you will need to seek professional assistance right away if your water breaks, as the rupture of the amniotic sac may elevate your risk of infection. If you notice the onset of contractions or your water breaking before 37 weeks, prior to being full-term, you should seek medical attention immediately.

How to Push

• When you̵7;re in labor and have received notice from your doctor or midwife that your cervix is fully dilated or opened and effaced or thinned out, you can begin to push. Knowing how to do this can help speed along the delivery of your baby. Proper pushing feels like you̵7;re bearing down to have a bowel movement, says What To Expect.