How to Survive Prodromal Labour
Sometimes we have days or even weeks of mild contractions before active labour kicks in. We call this prodromal labour, or prelabour, and it can be quite annoying to say the least.
For first time parents, the cervix has a lot of work it needs to do before it’s ready for active labour - softening, thinning, and starting to dilate a few centimeters - and these early mild contractions can help get the cervix in the state needed for labour to begin.
It can also be a sign that you body is ready for labour, but for whatever reason your baby is not! This is especially common for moms who have been through labour before.
Regardless of the reason, prodromal labour can be tiring and frustrating. Here are some things you can do during prelabour to keep you busy and comfortable:
Hang out with friends! Corral your friends or family members into getting coffee or just hanging out. The oxytocin of laughing and having fun will help your labour, and it will keep you distracted.
Support fetal positioning. Prodromal labour can be a sign that baby isn’t in the perfect position in the pelvis, and your body is trying to find a better spot for baby before kicking into high gear. Spinning Babies movements or the Miles Circuit can be really helpful
Make out with your partner. Kissing loosens your face and jaw, which in turn relaxes your pelvic floor! The cuddles and closeness release all the oxytocin and if things move beyond making out, orgasms are a great labour inducer as well ;)
And a few more rapid fire suggestions…
Take a warm bath
Listen to a birth hypnosis or meditation track and close your eyes - you might nap even with the discomfort!
Nourish your body with lots of food and water
Go for a long walk
Play a board game
Go shopping
If you can’t tell the theme, we’re going for anything that is relaxing and distracting. The more you pretend those early contractions aren’t happening, the less you’ll be able to feel them.
Happy Birthing!!
