"Willing" oneself into labor (not really INTO labor, but "readiness" for labor, I guess?)

[1babysmom]

Not literally, of course, or I'm sure we'd see it happening quite often. But I've been wondering this for a while now, I just haven't really been sure how to word it to get the right question out. So here's my attempt...(and I'm well aware this may be one of the dumbest questions ever asked on MDC )

When I say "willing" oneself into labor, I'm not talking about like just randomly going into labor at will. But rather, how much effect do positive thoughts, excitement about birth, and complete readiness for baby have on the body AND baby being ready for the ONSET of birth? I guess I just wonder because we know that state of mind definitely plays a part in labor- you hear all the time about how stress and negativity can delay the onset of labor, and then also delay/prolong labor once it has begun. So I have to wonder, since we also know that the opposite makes a difference DURING labor, what about the onset? If you have absolutely NO hesitations about birth, don't have ANY sort of "I have so much to do before!" feelings, etc, is it even possible that it could affect how ready your baby and body are PRIOR to labor?

Please tell me if my question doesn't make sense so I can try again!! I'm no good at putting my weird thoughts into words.

[MegBoz]

I think that's a really good Q. I've said this before & I'll say it again... while having a lot of negative thoughts (fear, anxiety, etc.) can inhibit the onset of labor that doesn't necessarily mean the reverse is true! I.e. I do NOT think that readiness/ positive thoughts brings on labor any sooner than, say, a neutral outlook.

Baby's come when they are ready. (Well, if they are healthy & all is well - we know sometimes something is "wrong" with prematurity, etc.) Anxiety can stall things, but not delay forever (the most anxious women in the world is going to pop sometime!)

I think the same is true with pain - a high level of anxiety can increase the level of pain in labor, but that DOES not mean that the most optimistic, fearless outlook will guarantee a pain-free birth!!

As for my own personal comparison, I exercised a lot through my pregnancy & Dr. Clapp's research (basically the only one to study exercise in pregnancy!) shows that 75% of exercising women give birth before their due date! (Although he didn't clarify which were primi vs. multiparas (had given birth before or not.)

With exercise & the fact that my sister went early & my Mom & G-ma went right around their due dates, I was CONVINCED I'd go around 38-39W. I had no fears except a little anxiety about the hospital (planned to labor at home as long as possible.) was actually looking forward to giving birth! Was ready at home, ready to leave work, etc.

I never had a SINGLE contraction until after having my membranes stripped at 41W4d. (One during an NST that was so minor, I barely count it. And that was ONE, just ONE!)

Yup, I was 'ready' emotionally & in terms of baby 'stuff' etc. at 38W & that boy hung in until 41W4d! So, there you go. Ha!

[1babysmom]

Thanks for the reply. I was beginning to think it really WAS the dumbest question in the history of MDC!

I agree that I don't think it necessarily BRINGS ON labor any sooner. I just wonder if it readies the body/baby sooner, if that makes sense...like "permission" for labor to happen at any time (even though it might not). I agree that you can be completely ready and it not mean a thing as far as labor starting (BTDT too, with both girls).

[mouey77]

As for my own personal comparison, I exercised a lot through my pregnancy & Dr. Clapp's research (basically the only one to study exercise in pregnancy!) shows that 75% of exercising women give birth before their due date! (Although he didn't clarify which were primi vs. multiparas (had given birth before or not.)

With exercise & the fact that my sister went early & my Mom & G-ma went right around their due dates, I was CONVINCED I'd go around 38-39W. I had no fears except a little anxiety about the hospital (planned to labor at home as long as possible.) was actually looking forward to giving birth! Was ready at home, ready to leave work, etc.

I was convinced of the SAME thing and even more so after reading Dr. Clapp's book. I am still jogging and ellipticalling pretty vigorously (as much as I can for this late in pregnancy!), had two early babies, and here I am at 38 1/2 weeks with no labor in sight. I am READY, but it doesn't seem to have any bearing. LOL. I wish!

[_betsy_]

My MW was pretty sure I could have started labor at will. I walk around for a month or more, 100% effaced and dilating up to 5 cms without ever feeling a thing. Because of my FAST labors (DD1 was 1 hour 48 minutes from water breaking/1st contraction to baby in my arms, DD2 was 1 hour and 8 minutes - with the cord wrapped loosely around her neck - twice - slowing her down!) I was worried about having baby while alone with my toddler at home, or on the side of the road, or at work, etc.

My MW kept telling me to mentally prepare for a pre-Christmas baby, which I did not want. I was due Jan. 2 or 4 and dang it, I was NOT going to saddle the baby with a Christmas birthday! And I lasted until Jan. 2, a few days after I said "OK, we made it past the holidays, I'm ready any time you are, baby!"

[smokeylo]

This is the kind of thing that I find happens on its own the closer you get to the birth... you become more and more preoccupied by it until you've processed it, thought about it, come to terms with it over and over, and are 100% ready for it to happen.

FWIW, I've been very focused on my upcoming birth and saying positive affirmations and such, and am going longer than I did with my first pregnancy. I do think that some people have mental roadblocks for whatever reason, but even those of us who process like crazy and stay open and ready have to prepare for a baby who may not be ready when we are .

[cchrissyy]

I kinda feel like this happened for #2

I was overdue and sent child #1 for a long day at grandma's. I bathed and napped all day, and then as soon as my husband came home, contractions started instantly. so I have to think that once everything was in place, my body just switched labor on.

maybe years from now science will figure out more of this mind/body stuff.

[MegBoz]

Another story about the readiness thing - "due date" for me (40W 0D) was July 7. I figured I'd go before that, but nope, I reached it. Started doing some accupressure (went to an experienced massuse, tons of walk, etc.)

Lasted until July 12 and that was a Saturday. I decided to trim the giant oak tree in our front yard (Hey, it needed it!) DH climbed the tree with the chain saw, then together we chopped & stacked the branches. I took pics because I thought it would be cute to document one of our last pre-baby Saturdays & what we did. And, of course, I was a funny sight - so pregnant & chopping branches!

I happened to know that my favorite of the 3 MWs was on call at the hospital the next day - AND it was the 13th! DH & I got married on the 13th & thought it would be sweet for DS to be born that day. (It's a lucky # in my family.)

NOPE! Still nothing!
(Had membranes swept Friday, the 18th & he was born that day.)