Stopping the prodromal contractions?

[JamieCatheryn]

I finally got some sleep last night, for 24 hours before that I'd have intermittent mild contractions that just wouldn't quit. This morning I'm having more. They aren't enough to DO anything, just annoying. They hurt if I'm in the wrong position or try to walk during them. Woke me up every hour night before last, I was so sleep deprived I was dizzy all morning. I'm plenty hydrated. Can I make these things stop? I guess alcohol might do if but that's yucky to me, the sensation of it in the mouth and the dizzy and hot feeling it gives. Epsom salts maybe?

[ColoradoMama]

Just went through this last night! After two days of contractions, I called my midwife because I was exhausted. First, make sure you actually are hydrated. Don't just drink water - drink some Recharge, too. Up your calcium intake because low calcium can contractions like that. Last night - here's what I did. I took a relaxing, warm bath - then went to bed. Dh made dinner and brought it up to me. I did have a glass of wine (first alcohol I've had in five pregnancies - I don't even hardly drink when NOT pregnant - probably two glasses of wine in 10+ years). Midwife recommended it, so I tried it. I read for a while, and then watched one of my favorite movies. It worked. I did have contractions from about 9:30 to 11:30, but then they stopped and I was able to get some sleep. I asked my midwife about chamomile tea instead of wine. She said that chamomile tea would relax me, but the wine would relax not only me but also my muscles that were contracting and the tea wouldn't do that. Basically, she wanted me to do anything I could to just relax and get the contractions to stop.

Today the stupid check engine light in our van came on, so I am also relaxing big time today because the van is in the shop, and I really don't want to have a baby today! Good luck.

[Full Heart]

Ditto everything ColoradoMama Said. I know people roll their eyes when we say drink more but seriously you need way more water now than ever before. Have some powerade or something, make your own with some lemons and honey. Pay attention to the color of your urine. I am taking a lot of calcium too, I found a needed a lot more than what I was getting.

[Smithie]

Tylenol PM worked for me. I actually think that alcohol is the most time-tested, safest thing a person can use to ease prodromal labor, but if it makes you feel bad Tylenol is also safe.

I'm so sorry you're going through this, it totally sucks!

[ScootchsMom]

Same boat here....Yesterday was not fun. A hot bath last night was the only thing that finally got it to stop so I could sleep.

[foothills mama]

I thought I would de-lurk to say that for me personally, short of stealing sips of my husband's beer and irresponsibly long showers, my yoga ball has been my savior for the prodormal contractions. Bouncing gently, rolling, pretending to "hula" my hips while sitting on it... oh heck yes! I found out the "hula hoop hips" method while trying to dislodge dd's foot (?) from my kidneys.
Another thing I've done (which was suggested by my former mw and not my current, oddly enough...) is do the pranayama breathing you find in kundalini yoga and whatnot, it helps center you and gets you over the discomfort til you can start pretty much ignoring them.
The worst thing you can do, though, is lay about and get too into them... yikes!