More on Prodromal Labor

My previous writings on prodromal labor were strictly theoretical. I have never experienced it, and I had never before attended someone who was in prodromal labor. This past weekend, I did. I have much more to say about it now.

Prodromal labor is a term for early labor that lasts for a long while without progressing into active labor. It is a nightmare. This is the labor pattern that lasts for days, causing the mother to lose sleep, disrupt her appetite, and causes exhaustion. It will probably eventually change into an active labor pattern, but even if this happens, the biggest danger is depletion of emotional and physical resources: the mother may not be able to continue with the labor and may need pain relief or even a cesarean. This is not the kind of labor that any woman wants to experience.

The article I wrote before stands out to me now as something written by a person who has read about a topic and knows nothing of it. It strikes me now as profoundly unhelpful.

When a woman is in prodromal labor, also called arrest of the first stage of labor, one of two options should be considered: should active labor be encouraged, or should attempts be made to slow or stop the contractions?

For either option, there are universal precautions: save your energy (no marathon shopping trips), eat as much as you can (even if it's only smoothies and toast - you will need the energy), and sleep if possible.

To encourage labor to progress, stay upright and walking if you can. Sway your hips - sitting on a birth ball or slow-dancing with your sweetie are great ideas. You may want to consider using nipple stimulation.

If you wish to try to halt the contractions, you need to relax. Sleep as much as you can. Take lots of baths or showers. Get a massage. You may not be able to stop the labor from progressing into active labor, but you will increase your chances of being a little more rested, and it will make a difference.

Prodromal labor can last for days. Its cause can be a complex combination of physical and emotional reasons. To avoid physical causes, do not be induced without a medical indication. Emotional work may be needed. Are you afraid of having your baby? Are you scared of what changes it will bring to your life, especially to your relationship? Are you afraid that your partner might leave you? Are you a single mom without a partner? It is time to work through these fears. It may help your labor to do so.

Sometimes new mothers will focus too much on early labor. This is not necessarily the same thing as real prodromal labor, which takes longer than usual to progress - though the same principle applies: the excitement of steady contractions can cause women to become exhausted, if they are focusing on the contractions and spending too much energy when labor is easy. If the contractions are not stopping you in your tracks or preventing you from speaking, you're very likely in early, early labor, and need to conserve your energy. Do not spend too much effort on these contractions.

If you gained nothing else from reading this, I hope that the main point that stands out is this: if you are in prodromal labor, you need to rest.