Prodromal Labor

[Michelle*]

This is a cross-post. I also posted it in the general UC area, but I thought you ladies might have special insight.

I started dilating early on with my son and was a happy 5cm before labor ever began. I had plenty of BH with him but nothing uncomfortable. I've been having contractions for three or four days with this little girl. I'm 39 weeks and 4 days now. The contractions last between 45-60 seconds and are very random in spacing. They'll go for a few hours at 5 minutes apart, then spread waaaaaay out. They're quite uncomfortable - more than BH but nothing like active, crazy labor.

I'm generally very patient, but I can't sleep through these, rest, or anything. It's difficult to care for my son (3) and everything else that needs done

To top it all off - I'm getting a cold. YUCK!

At any rate, any advice? Anything to spur this along, or make it stop? I'm not against it stopping, if she needs more time. I just don't know how long I'll survive this way. Especially with the sickies. By the time real labor starts I'll be dead

Thanks ladies.

M

[heartandhandsdoula]

you can drink a glass of wine and take a warm bath and relax, it usually helps stop prodromal labor. or you can try benadryl. good luck mama, i hope labor starts soon.

[mwherbs]

you could try the above ideas and or belly banding-- taking some magnesium- there is also viburnum tea or tincture (black haw or cramp bark either viburnum can help)

[Michelle*]

Crossposting from my update:

I just thought I'd give you guys an update. STILL at it. These started at 4 am, five minutes apart and they're about the same now. Noticably more intense, these are getting REALLY hard to deal with but no closer. I have a sneaking suspicion that someone is posterior

But it's 'real', whatever it is. I've already been doing this part longer than my ENTIRE labor lasted with my first though. Ugh!

Anyone have pos. tips?

M

[memiles]

When I see labor patterns like these (mine included!) it almost always seems to be a baby in a less-than-optimal position. Basically, your body gears up and starts to labor, baby gets pushed into a funky position, and things slow down because baby isn't able to move well.

What's worked for many women it some time in a position that lets gravity move baby off the cervix. My favorite is "polar bear"-basically, from hands and knees, you lower your chest as close to the floor as possible (pillows!) with your bum as high in the air as you can. Knees should be well cushioned (either on a bed or with pillows) and spread wide so you are comfortable and your pelvis is open and loose.

Stay here for 30'ish minutes, then roll to your left side for 20 minutes or so with your top leg as high as possible and your bottom leg straight-you will almost be rolling onto your stomach. You can do this a few times a day. Lunges, sideways stair walking, and other hands and knees positions can also help, but I like this one because it gives baby the chance to float into a better position then settle back in if that's what needed for better positioning.

I know how hard this is for you. Things to help you relax are key, but it's easier said than done. Know that this labor pattern happens for a reason, and it never does go on forever.

[cathicog]

Originally Posted by Michelle*

Crossposting from my update:

I just thought I'd give you guys an update. STILL at it. These started at 4 am, five minutes apart and they're about the same now. Noticably more intense, these are getting REALLY hard to deal with but no closer. I have a sneaking suspicion that someone is posterior

But it's 'real', whatever it is. I've already been doing this part longer than my ENTIRE labor lasted with my first though. Ugh!

Anyone have pos. tips?

M

Yep, sounds that way to me. You might want to spend at least 15 min a day several times a day on your hands and knees. that will probably turn the baby around and put better pressure on the cervix to dilate, and you will be more comfortable. If it makes you feel any better, my preceptor had ongoing labor, not prodromal, for 9 days, before birthing a 7 lb baby...as long as the baby is still moving/doing well and you don't have a fever or any sign of infection(and i don't think a cold would count) stay hydrated and do what you can to turn the baby around. I am sure it won't be long....