It's called "false labor" and "early labor" and can seem endless. Eventually - in a few hours or as long as 3 days sometimes - labor does intensify, and the cervix dilates, and the baby will be born.
Occasionally the condition of the baby might require some medical intervention. Babies might not be able to tolerate the long labor well, and augmentation with pitocin, breaking the waters to encourage labor, or even a cesarean may be necessary. Often, though, the most critical part is keeping the mother comfortable and making sure she has enough energy to continue.
"Exhaustion is the enemy of labor." How many times women have labored for a day, had their energy depleted, and asked for an epidural, just so they could get some sleep! There is no way to predict who will have prodromal labor, no way to make completely sure it won't happen. Pitocin might not be effective. And the cervix may not be dilated enough to consider breaking the bag of waters. This is a difficult time, and it feels like it lasts forever.
Here are some suggestions for prodromal labor:
- Try to relinquish control of the labor and accept what is happening. Much of what's going on is not in your control. Dismiss any ideas about what is normal or not, and accept this as part of your labor.
- Spend as little energy as possible. You will deliver a baby soon, and you will do best if you are well-rested for the hard work to come.
- Being active (walking or other light exercise) might increase contractions, but it might also just wear you down without helping labor to progress. Doing your usual routine will distract you without spending all your energy. Or, do something entertaining like going to the movies. Take care of any last-minute baby preparations, like washing or hanging baby clothes, packing your birth bag, or preparing birth announcements.
- Get plenty of sleep. Take a bath, get a massage, stay relaxed.
- Keep eating. Small, light, frequent meals will help you keep up your strength.
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