Stress Preventing Labor Starting?

[MegBoz]

I learned in my Bradley training that stress will slow the progress of labor (and also make it more painful!) Makes sense to me. I remember reading in "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" that female mammals, such as gazelles, can actually STOP labor & close the cervix when stressed - in order to get up & run from predators to save themselves! So she thinks human women can also have their cervixes close due to stress.

Again, makes sense.

But what about stress stopping labor from starting in the first place?

The type of stress I feel now (at being diagnosed "postdates" at 40W 3D - yes, I know, "postdates" isn't till after 42W!) is more depression. Does adrenaline get released as a result of depression & bawling your eyes out???

I thought adrenaline lead to the "fight or flight" type of response - a surge of energy. I feel just the opposite of a surge of energy to fight-- Ready to give it ALL UP & get a darn CS! (No, I don't really mean that, I'm just feeling really down.)

[Beccadoula]

OHHHH,
Don't feel that way!!! Your baby will come in a few days...really.

Do you feel safe? Do you feel secure in your relationships? Do you feel scared or in danger? Those are the kinds of feelings that can impact labor...but when your baby comes...it will come. Just think of all those babies born in cars and train stations...feeling stressed has to be extreme to actually stop labor...or keep it from starting. It sounds like you need to take a nice warm bath...snuggle with someone special...get lots of rest so you're ready when that big moment does come! And DON'T worry yourself over things like that.