For first-time mothers, most of them will have a rather long period of pre-term labor or early labor. During this period, pregnant mothers will feel unprecedented pain, experience a long period of inner torment, and realize the difficulties of being a first-time mother, a process that can take as short as half a day or as long as a day for first-time mothers until they can finally be admitted to the hospital to relieve labor pains through anesthesia. So before that, what else can we do to relieve the anxiety and pain before delivery? Choose a comfortable environment Choose a familiar environment that makes you feel safe. It needs to have enough space for you to walk, exercise or take a shower to relieve the pain. You can also use a music player to play soothing and ethereal music, and try various positions to relieve pain when the paroxysm comes with the aid of a rocking chair, yoga ball, low footstool, comfortable bed, etc. 2. Choose your medical team carefully Choose the right medical institution and team for you during your maternity checkup. A birth team of knowledgeable, professional and caring doctors, midwives, guides and nurses is the greatest support you can get. When you are treated with respect and patience, the stress and anxiety caused by pain will be relieved. 3. Learn about childbirth Learn more about childbirth from books and magazines, the Internet, videos, prenatal classes, WeChat groups, discussions with doctors, family and friends, familiarize yourself with the structure and departments of the hospital where you will give birth, and ask about the hospital’s waiting procedures and rules. It is best to do this before the birth so that when the pain comes you can more easily find the best coping mechanism to relieve the pain caused by anxiety. Are you worried about the pain of labor, the anesthetic effect of labor analgesia, whether you will have to go through a cesarean section, or whether you will lose control of your emotions after labor? Try to talk to your OB/GYN, a doula or someone who has “been there”. Express your concerns, talk about them and relieve your anxiety, as well as bring practical solutions to your worries. Stating your preferences in a birth plan can also help you calm your fears. 5. Practice rhythmic whistling After labor, whistle in a slow, deep rhythm at the beginning of contractions, releasing all the gas in your chest with each whistle to release the pressure. You can also try short, rapid whistles, about every 2 to 3 seconds (20 to 30 whistles per minute), when the opening is 3 to 7 centimeters. Your husband can act as your coach during this process by having you stare at one point with your eyes and relax your whole body. If you lose your rhythm, your husband can restore your rhythm by making eye contact, rhythmic hand or head movements. This rhythmic whistling method can be exercised up from the 7th month of pregnancy. 6. Use your imagination Focusing on things that make you happy, such as your partner’s face, an inspiring photo or your favorite thing, will engage your senses and reduce your perception of pain. Listening to music, a soothing sound or the sound of waves, and imagining yourself in a relaxing environment can serve to ease the pain of a bout. 7. Take a hot bath You will feel quite comfortable taking a warm bath, especially if you can sit on a stool and put a hand-held shower head to rinse your abdomen or back directly. Bathing with warm water can relax you and even speed up the labor process. 8. Move around more Move around as much as possible after labor. Walking, spinning, swaying, squatting …… these positions will be more comfortable than sitting dry and waiting for the next contraction pain. 9, hot compresses During labor, put a hot water bag or baby warmer on your lower abdomen, groin, lower back or shoulders, it has the effect of relieving contraction pains and you will feel much more comfortable. 10. Gentle reassurance or massage Whether it’s someone holding your hand, stroking your cheek or hair, or patting your hand or shoulder, touch conveys comfort, care and understanding. Having your partner or guide massage your lower back muscles during a bout of pain can also ease the back pain that seems to be breaking you.