Backgrund: Labour can be divided into different phases, the latent phase also named early labour can be the longest phase. During early labour, women may advantageously be at home. Different coping strategies can help women to more easily handle the situation.
Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the coping strategies that pregnant women used during early labour at home.
Design: A qualitative study design with inductive approaches was used, and based on interviews with a total of 16 women. Content analysis was used.
Results: After analysis of the interview data an overall theme was shown: Use of internal and external resources for handling the situation. The result was then divided into four categories: To prepare and plan for childbirth, To bring new energy, To seek support from others and To find your own strategies for handling the situation.
Conclusions: Result showeds that the use of coping strategies can help women to better manage early labour at home. Women should be aware of that the using of coping strategies can help them to better manage their labour. It is also an advantage for the midwifery profession to know about different kinds of coping strategies that can be used in the home during early labour in order to give women adequate advice and support.