Early labor | Coping | Advocacy |
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What is water breaking?
This can happen slowly in a leak or in a large gush.
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What is shower or bath?
This is “nature’s epidural” and a great option for laboring at home or in the hospital.
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What is hosptial policy?
These are rules created by hospital administrators that the nurses, doctors, and midwives must abide by.
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What is effacement?
This is measured in percentage from 0% (not at all) to 100% (completely)
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What is upright movement?
This helps the woman cope with her contractions and helps baby to move down into the pelvis.
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What is autonomy?
This is your (legal) ability to decide for yourself what is right for you during your labor and birth.
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What is station?
This indicates how high or low the baby is in the pelvis, measured from -4 to +4.
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What is labor?
When contractions are increasing in intensity and frequency this is referred to as..
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What is evidence-based care?
This is medical advice and practice that is based on scientific, peer-reviewed studies to keep mother’s and babies healthy and safe.
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What is 0 station?
Baby is considered “engaged” when the widest part of the head is at this station.
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What is a peanut ball?
This tool is excellent for active resting when in bed or laying during labor.
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What is eating and drinking?
This is a great way to keep energy up during labor both at home and at the hospital.
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What is prodromal labor?
The term for consistent contractions that do not increase in intensity or frequency and stop after one or more hours.
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What is bloody show?
When seen this indicates cervical change is happening. Take a picture and send to your doula.
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What is cervical exams?
When you have these during your pregnancy you risk your water breaking before your labor starts, which increases the risk of induction and cesarean.
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