The Biggest Mistake in Early Labor: Not Resting
I’ve attended hundreds of births, each as unique and powerful as the person bringing life into the world. But if there’s one mistake I see over and over again, one that I wish I could shout from the rooftops, it’s this:
Not resting in early labor.
It’s totally understandable. You’ve waited nine months for this moment. You’re excited. Nervous. Maybe even a little impatient. The contractions start, and it feels like the beginning of the real thing. You want to get moving. You clean up the house. Walk laps. Bounce on the birth ball. Text your friends and family, post on social media. You might even start timing every single contraction.
But here’s the truth: early labor is a marathon, not a sprint.
What Is Early Labor, Really?
Early labor is the body’s warm up. It’s when the cervix is softening, thinning, and beginning to dilate usually up to around 4 or 5 centimeters. Contractions might feel crampy, come and go, or even be fairly regular for a while. But this phase can last hours or even days for some people.
And yet, so many push themselves too hard during this stage. Why? Because we’ve been conditioned to think that once labor starts, it’s time to do something. But midwives know: what your body often needs in early labor is REST, not action.
Why Not Resting Is a Problem
When you don’t rest in early labor, here’s what can happen:
- You burn out before active labor even begins. I’ve seen many birthing people become exhausted, dehydrated, and emotionally spent—before they’re even halfway through the journey. Active labor and pushing require energy. Don’t waste it early.
- Stress hormones creep in. Fatigue and frustration can raise adrenaline, which can interfere with oxytocin—the hormone that drives labor forward. You might accidentally stall or slow your own labor.
- Your coping toolbox gets emptied too soon. If you use all your strategies, music, massage, movement etc before you really need them, you’re left scrambling when labor actually intensifies.
What You Should Do in Early Labor
Here’s my advice, the same I give my clients:
- Ignore it for as long as possible. Yes, really. Distract yourself. Watch a movie. Eat a good meal. Take a nap. Go on a date with your partner. If this is your first baby this may be the last date you go on just the two of you for a while, savour it. Go for a slow walk if it feels good, but don’t go all in on “getting labor going.”
- Sleep if you can. I know it sounds impossible, but even lying down with your eyes closed between contractions can help. Darkness, silence, and cozy surroundings matter.
- Trust your body’s pace. Early labor is not wasted time. It’s essential. Let it unfold without pressure or performance.
Rest Is Not Inaction, It’s Preparation
Somewhere along the way, we’ve learned to fear resting during labor, as if rest means weakness or delay. I challenge that, rest is one of the most powerful things you can do to support your birth.
So if you’re reading this, and you’re in early labor or planning for birth, take this to heart: Don’t mistake early signs of labor as a cue to leap into action. Listen to your body. Rest. Recharge. Conserve.
You’ll be so glad you did when the real work begins.