Emotions Frequently Associated with Early Labor
- Ashley Strengholt
- Sep 10
- 4 min read
Early labor - the first stage of childbirth when contractions begin and the cervix starts to dilate - is often described as an emotional rollercoaster. For many women, this period is filled with anticipation, uncertainty, and intensity. While every labor experience is unique, there are several emotions commonly reported during early labor. Understanding these feelings not only validates the mother’s experience but also helps partners and care providers offer the right kind of support.
Excitement and Anticipation
Perhaps the most common emotion in early labor is excitement. After months of waiting, the first signs of labor can feel thrilling. Contractions, no matter how irregular, signal that the long-awaited day is near. Women often express joy at finally meeting their baby and relief that pregnancy is drawing to a close.
Research highlights that positive anticipation can actually help labor progress. Feelings of joy and safety promote oxytocin release, which encourages uterine contractions and cervical dilation (Buckley, 2015). This is why a supportive, calm environment in early labor can set the stage for smoother progress.
Anxiety and Uncertainty
Alongside excitement, many women experience anxiety in early labor. Questions such as “Is this really it?”, “How long will it last?”, or “Will I be able to cope?” often surface. For first-time mothers in particular, uncertainty about what to expect may heighten nervousness.
Fear and anxiety during early labor are well-documented in maternal health literature. High levels of anxiety have been associated with longer labors and increased requests for pain relief or medical interventions (Adams et al., 2012). This is because anxiety can trigger the release of adrenaline, which counteracts oxytocin, slowing contractions.
Overwhelm
As contractions become more noticeable, some women report feeling overwhelmed. Even in early labor, the combination of physical sensations, logistics (deciding when to leave for the hospital or call the midwife), and the emotional weight of the moment can feel intense.
Fenwick et al. (2009) found that women experiencing childbirth fear often reported a sense of being “out of control” early in labor. This overwhelm may stem from unfamiliarity with the body’s signals or the unpredictability of how long labor will last. Providing reassurance and clear communication during this time can greatly reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Calm and Reflection
For others, early labor can feel surprisingly peaceful. Especially if contractions are manageable and the mother is at home, this stage may offer moments of quiet reflection. Women may use this time to prepare mentally, pray, journal, or connect with their partner before labor intensifies.
This calm state is supported by oxytocin and endorphins, hormones that promote relaxation and bonding. Uvnäs-Moberg (2003) emphasizes that environments fostering security and tranquility help the mother’s physiology work optimally during birth.
Irritability and Frustration
Not all emotions in early labor are positive or serene. Some women experience irritability or frustration, particularly if contractions are irregular or labor progresses slowly. Early labor can last hours - or even days - before active labor begins. The stop-and-start nature of contractions may be discouraging.
This frustration may also arise from external stressors such as family members asking constant updates, or pressure from care providers about when to come in. Research shows that when women feel their needs are not respected in early labor, frustration and dissatisfaction with the birth experience increase (Lundgren, 2004).
Hope and Empowerment
Despite the challenges, early labor often carries a sense of hope and empowerment. Each contraction brings the mother closer to meeting her child. For many women, early labor is a time of drawing on inner strength, affirming their ability to birth, and leaning on support systems.
Studies highlight that when women feel well-supported during labor, they report more positive emotions and greater confidence in their ability to give birth (Bohren et al., 2017). Emotional support at this stage sets the tone for the entire labor journey.
The Interplay of Emotions and Physiology
The emotions of early labor are not just psychological - they directly affect the body’s chemistry. Oxytocin, the hormone that drives contractions, thrives in environments of calm, safety, and connection. On the other hand, fear and anxiety elevate adrenaline, which slows labor (Buckley, 2015).
This interplay underscores the importance of acknowledging and supporting women’s emotional experiences in early labor. Encouraging positive emotions like excitement and calm, while providing reassurance to counter fear and overwhelm, can promote a smoother labor process.
Conclusion
Early labor is a time of complex emotions: excitement, anxiety, calm, frustration, and hope often swirl together in unpredictable ways. These emotions are not only normal but also influential, shaping the body’s hormonal environment and the course of labor itself. By recognizing and validating these feelings, partners, doulas, and healthcare providers can support women in navigating early labor with confidence. Ultimately, fostering safety, reassurance, and empowerment helps mothers enter active labor with strength and resilience.
References
Adams, S. S., Eberhard-Gran, M., & Eskild, A. (2012). Fear of childbirth and duration of labour: a study of 2206 women with intended vaginal delivery. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 119(10), 1238–1246. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2012.03433.x
Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6
Buckley, S. J. (2015). Hormonal physiology of childbearing: Evidence and implications for women, babies, and maternity care. Childbirth Connection.
Fenwick, J., Toohill, J., Creedy, D. K., Smith, J., Gamble, J., & Buist, A. (2009). Sources, responses, and moderators of childbirth fear in Australian women: a qualitative investigation. Midwifery, 25(2), 254–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2007.03.006
Lundgren, I. (2004). Releasing and relieving encounters: Experiences of pregnancy and childbirth. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 18(4), 368–375. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6712.2004.00302.x
Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (2003). The Oxytocin Factor: Tapping the Hormone of Calm, Love, and Healing. Da Capo Press.
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