One of the toughest challenges of birth is how unpredictable it can be. We look to data and checks as indicators of how soon labor will start, how long it will last and how smoothly it will go. Am I dilated yet? Is the head down? Will I have my baby early? Will I have a long labor? How painful will labor be? Will I need a c-section? Will my baby be okay? These are all normal questions. Yet there are a few ways in which you can help lay the path your labor will take.