What Should I Expect During My Pregnant Partner’s Labor and Childbirth?

If you and your partner are facing an unexpected pregnancy, it’s likely you both are feeling overwhelmed—and the unknowns of labor and delivery can intensify those feelings.

While there are many factors during pregnancy you and your partner can’t control, learning what to expect during the labor and childbirth process can help you both feel more prepared.

This article will highlight the essentials you need to know about labor and childbirth. If you’re looking for a safe and supportive space to learn more about pregnancy and delivery or need help with other resources, contact Liberty Women’s Clinic.

Early and Active Labor

Labor begins with contractions, which happen when the uterus tightens and relaxes. This helps the baby move down the birth canal.

This stage is divided into early labor and active labor:

• Early Labor: Contractions are mild and irregular, gradually becoming more regular and intense. The cervix begins to dilate (open) and efface (thin out). This stage can last several hours to a few days, especially for first-time mothers. Early labor begins at home. You can support your partner by helping her stay relaxed with massage, walking, and deep breathing techniques. You can also time her contractions to know when to head to the hospital.
• Active Labor: Contractions become stronger, more regular, and closer together as the cervix dilates from 4 to 10 centimeters. This phase usually lasts 4 to 8 hours, and it’s common to head to the hospital or birthing center at this point. Your partner may receive pain relief options, such as an epidural, but you can help by holding her hand, giving her a massage, playing music, or anything else that she desires.

Pushing and Delivery

Once the cervix is fully dilated, it’s time for your partner to push the baby out. This stage can last from a few minutes to several hours.

• Pushing: With each contraction, your partner will push to help move the baby down the birth canal. This stage can feel frustrating and tiring for your partner, so it’s important to provide encouragement.
• Delivery: The baby’s head crowns (becomes visible), and the baby is born with a few more pushes. The healthcare provider will clear the baby’s airways and cut the umbilical cord (you may be given the option of doing this if you desire).

Delivery of the Placenta

After the baby is born, the final stage is delivering the placenta, also known as the afterbirth.

• Placenta Delivery: Mild contractions help expel the placenta, which provides nourishment for the baby throughout the pregnancy.

Cesarean delivery (C-section)

Sometimes, a C-section is needed to deliver the baby. During a C-section, the doctor makes a surgical incision in the abdomen and uterus.

Risk factors that might contribute to needing a C-section include:

• Labor that isn’t progressing normally
• Signs of distress in the baby
• Problems with the placenta
• Carrying multiples
• Previous C-sections

If your partner needs a sudden C-section, she will likely feel scared or nervous, as the procedure is a major surgery with a longer recovery period. You can help her stay calm by holding her hand during the process and reassuring her that everything will be okay.

How You Can Help Your Partner

Childbirth can be painful, but providing support, encouragement, and relaxing techniques for your partner can help.

Every woman is unique, so knowing how best to help your partner will come down to her preferences. Before the big day arrives, work with your partner to create a birthing plan that outlines how you can best help her.

The following questions can help you get started:

• What are some practical ways I can help you relax during labor?
• If the pain becomes overwhelming, what can I do to help? How can I best advocate for you? (Help you get pain medicine, etc.)
• If you have to get a C-section, how can I help during the procedure? How can I help you heal afterward?

You’re Not Alone

Facing an unexpected pregnancy comes with a lot of different factors to consider, but you and your partner aren’t alone in this. At Liberty Women’s Clinic, we’re here for you both.

Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to help.

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.