How to Relax During Early Labor

Early labor, or the time when your cervix dilates from 0 to 4 cm, can vary in length depending on the woman. Since early labor can be a lengthy process, relaxing during early labor is important. Here are some tips to help you relax during early labor.

Instructions

1. Take a warm bath or shower. The warm water can help relax your muscles, including the muscles of your uterus.

2. Ask your partner for a light massage on your back, shoulders, neck and legs to help relax you and your muscles.

3. Practice your breathing techniques. Deep, slow, abdominal breaths will help you relax during those early, yet sometimes painful, contractions.

4. Get plenty of rest. If you are in early labor during the nighttime hours, trying to sleep is especially advisable. Even if you are not in early labor at night, resting up is a good idea. Labor is often a long and strenuous process, so getting all the sleep you can during the early stages is important. Sleep will also help you keep your mind from worry and anxiety and will relax you.

5. Distract yourself from your early labor contractions. There are many things that you can do to distract yourself, all of which will ultimately make you more relaxed. You can watch a movie, go shopping, play a game or read a book. You can even do a load of laundry or clean if you want to.

6. Focus on a positive image or a relaxing place. You may choose to think about a favorite vacation spot, such as a sandy beach. You might choose to focus on a special image, such as one of your pet, another child or a wedding photo.