MISTAKE$ YOU SHOULD NEVER MAKE WHEN LABOUR STARTS — AND WHY

MISTAKES YOU SHOULD NEVER MAKE WHEN LABOUR STARTS — AND WHY ✅ Short truth: When labour begins, every choice matters. Some mistakes can make birth longer, harder, or even risky — but knowing what to avoid gives you a safer, smoother journey. Here are the most critical ones. 💛 🚫 1. DON'T WAIT TOO LONG TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL / CALL YOUR MIDWIFE Why: Waiting too long means you may arrive when labour is already very advanced — less time for checks, monitoring, or help if complications arise. If this is NOT your first baby, things can progress very fast. You also risk delivering on the way, which is unsafe for you and baby. ✅ What to do: Go when contractions are strong, regular, every 5 minutes for 1 hour, or when your water breaks — don't delay! 🚫 2. DON'T LIE FLAT ON YOUR BACK THE WHOLE TIME Why: Lying flat presses a major blood vessel that carries blood and oxygen to you AND your baby. It also narrows your pelvis, making it harder for baby to move down — this can lengthen labour and increase pain. ❗ What to do: Walk, stand, kneel, lean forward, or lie on your side — gravity helps baby descend and keeps blood flowing freely. ✅ 🚫 3. DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH OR PUSH BEFORE YOUR BODY IS READY Why: Forcing pushes before your cervix is fully open or before you feel the natural urge can tear delicate tissues, exhaust you quickly, and even reduce oxygen reaching your baby. It can also cause your cervix to swell and stop opening. ❗ What to do: Breathe through contractions until you feel the strong, natural urge — your body will tell you when it's time. Push gently, not forcefully. ✅ 🚫 4. DON'T EAT HEAVY, GREASY, OR LARGE MEALS Why: During labour, your body diverts blood flow away from your stomach to the uterus — digestion slows right down. Heavy food often causes vomiting, which dehydrates you, lowers your energy, and makes labour harder. If you need emergency surgery, a full stomach is also risky. ❗ What to do: Small sips of water, clear fluids, or very light snacks only — keep your strength up safely. ✅ 🚫 5. DON'T IGNORE YOUR BODY'S WARNING SIGNS Why: Some changes are NOT normal — ignoring them can put you and baby in danger. ❗ What to watch for and go immediately: - Water that is green, brown, or smells bad — baby may have passed stool, risk of infection ​ - Heavy bleeding like a period ​ - Baby moving much less or not at all ​ - Sudden, constant severe pain that doesn't ease between contractions ​ - Fever, dizziness, or blurry vision 🚫 6. DON'T PANIC OR LET FEAR TAKE OVER Why: Fear and stress release adrenaline — this hormone actually slows or stops contractions. Labour becomes longer, more painful, and harder to cope with. ❗ What to do: Breathe deeply, stay calm, focus on one contraction at a time. Remind yourself: "This pain is opening my body to meet my baby — it has a purpose and it will end." ✅ 🚫 7. DON'T HOLD IN YOUR NEED TO PEE Why: A full bladder takes up precious space in your pelvis — it blocks baby's path and slows down progress. It can also cause pain and increase risk of infection. ❗ What to do: Pee whenever you can — even a little bit — it makes room for baby and helps labour flow. ✅ 💛 Your body was made for this — but knowing what NOT to do is just as important as knowing what to do. Trust your instincts, listen to your care team, and remember: you are strong, you are capable, and you will meet your beautiful baby soon. Save this post 📌 and share it with every expectant mother — knowledge is the best protection. Follow Nurse Qwinnie for more pregnancy and birth wisdom.#fyp