One of the best ways to prepare for childbirth is to accompany your partner to a childbirth education class.

Almost all hospitals and birth centers hold classes, and parents-to-be are usually given the option of attending two or three short evening sessions or one long daytime session. You can also choose to go to an offsite class, where the focus may be more on natural childbirth.

Before taking a class, it helps to know a little about childbirth. Here are some of the things you may learn and discuss in a childbirth class:

1. How to recognize the onset of true labor

Late in pregnancy, many women havve painful contractions that may feel like false labor – Braxton Hicks contractions that may start out strong but taper off and then stop after a while. Look for these signs, among others, that your partner is experiencing the real deal:

Her water may break, resulting in a trickle or a gush of fluid. When the amniotic sac (also called the bag of waters) breaks, many women spontaneously go into labor shortly after. If not, labor is often induced to minimize the risk of developing an infection. But keep in mind that contractions usually start before her water breaks.

Persistent lower back pain, especially if your partner also complains about a crampy, premenstrual feeling.

Contractions that occur at regular and increasingly shorter intervals and become longer and stronger in intensity.

She passes the mucus plug, which is in the cervix. This isn't necessarily a sign that labor is imminent – it could still be several days away. But at the very least, it indicates that things are moving along.

2. How to time the contractions

Use a timer – for most people this will be the one on their phone, but anything that will count seconds is fine – to time your partner's contractions in seconds from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. Count the frequency of contractions in minutes.

If she's having regular painful contractions lasting 30 seconds or more, she's probably in early labor. Your doctor or midwife can help you make the decision over the phone about when to come in.

As a general rule, if the contractions are five minutes apart or less, last more than 30 seconds, and continue in that pattern for an hour, it's time to go the hospital. Some situations call for getting to the hospital sooner, so talk to your caregiver ahead of time about what's right for you.

3. Don't get to the hospital too early

Don't head to the hospital the minute your partner goes into labor. If she's dilated to only 1 centimeter, chances are they'll send you home or tell her to go for a walk until it's clear she's in labor.

Take a walk, go to the mall or a museum, hit the beach, catch a movie – do anything to help your partner take her mind off the contractions. Though it may not be easy, try not to fixate on the clock. If labor begins at night, help your partner get back to sleep for a few hours.

4. Know what to expect during labor

Forget those TV sitcom episodes in which a woman goes into labor and a baby pops out by the second commercial. It sometimes happens that fast, but not usually. For most women, especially first-time mothers, labor is a journey, not an event.

Don't expect labor to be over in just a few hours. Every woman's experience is different, but it's helpful to understand that there are three distinct stages of labor:

First stage

The first stage really consists of three phases:

Early phase. This phase typically lasts up to 12 hours although it's usually considerably shorter for second and subsequent babies. As labor progresses, the contractions get longer and stronger.

Active phase. Often this phase lasts up to six hours, although it can be a lot shorter. You should be in the hospital or birth center by now or en route. Contractions are much more intense, last about 40 to 60 seconds, and are spaced three to five minutes apart.



Breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and coaching are all important now. If your partner is having trouble coping or she's not interested in a drug-free labor, this is when she might opt for an epidural or other pain relief.

Breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and coaching are all important now. If your partner is having trouble coping or she's not interested in a drug-free labor, this is when she might opt for an epidural or other pain relief. Transition phase. This phase can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. It's here that your partner is most likely to swear at you like a truck driver. (Don't take it personally – even women who have coped well up to this point often "lose it" during the transition phase.)



Contractions last 60 to 90 seconds and come two or three minutes apart.

Online birth class Watch our free childbirth class videos to help you prepare for labor and birth.

Second stage

Pushing and birth. The second stage can last from minutes to hours – the average is about an hour for a first-time pregnancy (longer if she's had an epidural) – and ends with a moment that's made up in equal parts of relief and breathtaking beauty: The birth of your baby.

There's a lot to think about during this phase: Do you want to record the birth on video? Will you want to cut the cord? (Be sure to remind your doctor or midwife if you do and be aware that some hospitals don't allow pictures or videos in the birthing room.)

Does your partner want to try to breastfeed immediately after birth? If so, be sure to tell your doctor and nurses so they can help with that as soon as it's safe for your baby to do so.

Third stage

Delivery of the placenta. It's not over yet! This stage, which begins immediately after the birth of your baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta five to 10 minutes later, is usually anticlimactic but necessary.

Your partner may get a case of the chills or feel very shaky during this phase. If that's the case, be ready to offer a warm blanket and to hold your newborn while your partner's regaining her strength.

5. Be an active participant

In the days and weeks before your baby's due date, make sure both you and your partner are packed for the hospital, including a change of clothes, toiletries, and other essentials (see our complete hospital packing list). If your partner has a birth plan, you may need to let the labor and delivery nurses know about it (you should have already discussed it with the doctor or midwife).

During early labor at home, remind your partner to drink plenty of liquids. Pour her a glass of nonacidic juice such as apple juice or pineapple juice, honey and water, an herbal tea, or just plain water to ward off dehydration. Offer her a bagel, yogurt, or something bland, unless her doctor has asked her not to eat during labor – she might not get anything solid to eat at the hospital while she's giving birth.

When you head to the hospital, drive carefully. This isn't the time for taking unnecessary chances. When you get to the labor room, stick around to provide comfort and support.

6. Be an advocate for your partner

The doctor or midwife and nurses are there to make sure your partner and baby do well during labor and birth. But you have a big role in helping your partner get comfortable and in communicating her wishes.

You and she also have a big say in personalizing the room. When it's time to rest, soften the lighting. Freshen the smell by taking along aromatherapy balls, potpourri, or scented oils. Bring pictures, movies, and your own music.

7. Know how to play coach

Take your cues from your partner. Some women love having a massage or having their hair stroked during labor. Others don't. And there's no way to know ahead of time what your partner will prefer.

In any case, try to reassure her that she's doing fine and be ready to help in any way she asks. See more tips on how to be a great labor coach.

8. Be prepared

Watch videos about vaginal birthing and c-sections. Don't be surprised if your baby's skin looks wrinkled or his head is molded into a cone shape.

Read up on what labor feels like. Watch a video on how to do a relaxing pregnancy massage that's easy to do and can be soothing even in the delivery room.

9. Cut the cord if you want

Many dads and partners choose to cut their baby's umbilical cord in the first minutes after birth. If you want to cut the cord, don't be shy about reminding your partner's doctor or midwife.

10. Find out more

There's no substitute for exchanging questions or swapping tales with other moms-to-be and their partners. The BabyCenter Community brings together expectant mothers by due date and provides groups for expectant dads and other partners to exchange tips and advice.