Kindly advise im a first time dad

The contractions will start off like menstrual cramps and with no fixed timing/frequency. As she does into labour, the intervals shorten eg. 1 in 15 min, then 1 in 10 min, then 1 in 5 min, and so on. During active labour, it could be 1 in 2 minutes. Aside from the increased frequency, the intensity also increases. Without any painkillers, I can only say it is excruciatingly painful. Aside from contractions, other signs to look for include show (blood stained mucus) or leaking liquor (water bag leaking). From 37 weeks onwards, it’d be good for her to wear a pad/panty liner so she can watch for these things. If these signs are present and she has regular contractions every about 5-10minutes, you can call up the hospital to let them know she has these symptoms, and they will advise you accordingly. Even if the contractions are not super close in intervals, if she cannot bear with the pain and needs painkillers, you can call up the delivery suite and ask if she can go in for pain relief. During labour, be supportive of whatever choice she makes for pain relief.. whether it’s breathing techniques/meditation or laughing gas or epidural. Hold her hand/talk to her/massage her if she needs you to, or give her some space if that’s what she prefers. Some mummies transiently become quite unlike themselves when they’re in labour, so just support her and don’t judge her. During the pushing process, hold her hand, encourage her all the way (even if it takes more than an hour), count along with the midwives/gynae... one thing my husband did that really helped was to feed me sips of water in between the cycles of pushing. That somehow gave me more strength to get baby out faster. Heh. All the best!

Hi Suresh! I LOVE questions like this from Daddies. You can also attend birth classes with mama to find out what works for the both of you - what she’s comfortable with in terms of coping techniques and what she isn’t. Also, remember to let her know how you feel about everything - pregnancy, labour and all. I fell that when these communication lines are kept open and talking takes place, the better team you make on the day of labour as you’re speaking the same language and you understand each other’s fears, boundaries, limitations and so on. Would also love to share the attached graphic with you. Remember to take good care of yourself when you’re mama’s birth partner. Wishing you well and your wifey too!

Thank you so much for the reply. Will look out for these cues.

be there and don't talk unnecessary stuff.