If you are pregnant and heavy with child for over 36 weeks, then start stuffing the bag that you will bear in your labor room. For suitability, you can prepare a list of handy things that may help you at time of labor so that you have no regret of parting certain important accessories at home. It is not possible to equip yourself properly at time of contraction and crises, so you can do goodwill to yourself by arranging every thing ahead of time.

The most important possession for your packing should be the hospital registration papers and the insurance card, which are necessary for admission in hospital. To feel as comfortable as possible during labor, equip yourself with your favorite pillow. Carry a non-slippery slipper so that you can walk down the aisle as your labor progresses.

Take a wrapper and a pair of socks to keep you warm. Dry mouth is a very common indication during labor, so have lollipops to keep your mouth soggy and apply lip gel for moisturizing your lips. Brushing the teeth before labor can help you feel refreshed and stress-free.

For rubbing your back as counter-pressure during labor, your can carry a pair of tennis balls. If you have specs, then do carry them because doctors do not allow patients to wear contact lenses during delivery. Carry your camera to capture the special souvenirs of your life.

Lastly, keep the phone list of your friends and relatives along with the long distance calling card very near to you, incase of emergency it would be helpful.

The experience of labor pain in each woman is different. Generally expectant mothers go through a difficult time because of the pain. If you are becoming a mother for the first time, you will not know what labor pains are like. To ease the pain and discomfort you can discuss a number of medical and non-medical options with your gynecologist before the delivery.

Do your homework in advance so that it helps you in preparing for the delivery. They are a number of exercises and non-medical methods that help you to ease the discomfort like:
1. Deep breathing: Breathing techniques help you to calm and relax. This will help you to breathe normally even during labor.
2. Water therapy: A warm shower or a bath completely relaxes you.
3. Distraction: Distract your mind by listening to music, walking, reading, watching TV playing cards or talking to a friend to minimize the anticipation of the next contraction.
4. Effleurage: When you get a contraction lightly massage your abdomen in circular motions towards the center and down the pubic bone. Massaging other parts of the body is also helpful to relax your tensed body.
5. Doulas: For emotional and tangible support you can employ doula, a professional assistant.
6. Deep relaxation: Self-hypnosis a type of relaxation is useful to distract yourself from labor pains.
7. Acupuncture and Acupressure: Are traditional Chinese methods to relieve pain. Acupressure means applying pressure on pressure points and acupuncture is inserting needles for pain management on various parts of the body.

Labor pains are always difficult; nevertheless, pain management is something that helps you to ease the discomfort.

When you have regular contractions before your 37 weeks of pregnancy, and if you deliver your baby before due date, then you have pre term labor and birth. They can be both intentional and spontaneous.

Some reasons for the latter are:

1. Genital tract infections, like chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis
2. Placenta problems, such as placenta previa or placental abruption
3. Structural abnormalities of the uterus or cervix
4. Other diseases like sickle cell anemia, diabetes, severe asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic active hepatitis, or lupus and non-uterine infections, like abdominal surgery, kidney infection, a gum infection (periodontitis), and trauma to the abdomen can cause pre term labor and birth.

Risk factors:

1. If you are pregnant with twins or higher number multiples
2. Not in the age group of 17-35yrs
3. Not much, gain in weight during pregnancy or before it.
4. Smoking, alcohol abuse, or drug use during pregnancy
5. Gave birth in the last 18 months
6. High levels of stress (physical and mental)
7. Genetic factors

Symptoms:

1. An increased vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding or spotting
2. Abdominal pain, cramps, or more than four contractions in one hour
3. Increased pressure in the pelvic area
4. Low back pain

These symptoms are often confusing, as some of them, like the pelvic pressure or low back pain, occur during normal pregnancies too.

Tests to know if you are at risk:

1. Measuring the length of your cervix
2. Fetal fibronectin screening

However, if you get plenty of rest, eat well, see your doctor regularly, take proper hygiene and dental care and manage your stress level, you automatically ensure a healthy full term pregnancy.