How to be effective and supportive in the final weeks?
You don’t need to be a doctor to support your partner. All you need is understanding, awareness, and presence. In these final weeks, your role becomes especially important.
You should recognize the early signs of labor, as:
- Baby dropping into the pelvis (called lightening).
- Regular contractions: If they occur every 5 minutes, then last about a minute, and don’t go away with rest or water, labor may have started.
- Lower back pain or cramp-like discomfort.
- Mucus discharge mixed with blood: This is the mucus plug coming out, signaling that the cervix is opening.
- A sudden or slow trickle of odourless fluid (amniotic fluid): This may mean her water broke, so go ahead to the hospital right away.
When to step in and what to do?
If you see any signs of labor, you should?
- Help her stay calm.
- Begin counting the contractions.
- Make sure the hospital bag is packed and the car is ready.
- Despite her pain or anxiety, calmly accompany her to the hospital. Always respect her choices, but stand up for her if she needs help speaking up.
- Encourage her with words like “You’re doing great” or “I’m proud of you.”
- Stay relaxed, because your energy will affect hers.
- Prepare a fully charged phone, a change of clothes, and snacks and drinks.
- Learn basic breathing techniques to support her during contractions.
Get some rest now, labor can be long, and you’ll need to stay alert and present.