How to Handle Prodromal Labor

Prodromal labor is early labor that takes an unusually long time. Prodromal labor can occur for a day or more and may frustrate you at what seems to be a total lack of progress. During prodromal labor, you may experience regular contractions, but dilate at a much slower pace. You may experience a few days of contractions, or perhaps a few hours of contractions several times a week. Prodromal labor can set up fear that you are not progressing or that you have an atypical labor pattern that may never advance.


Handling a prodromal labor takes patience and encouragement. You are oftentimes exhausted and discouraged by what seems to be a "never-ending" cycle of contractions. The following steps can help you handle a prodromal labor pattern and be ready to handle the active phase.

Instructions

    • 1

      Get some sleep if possible. Lying in a tub of hot water is relaxing enough to let you doze off and sleep for a few minutes at a time. You can also try different positions while lying in the bed or perhaps propping yourself up in a recliner. Getting some rest will help you cope with contractions better and can make them less intense, or perhaps go away altogether.

    • 2

      Stay hydrated. You should be drinking and eating frequently throughout your labor to maintain your blood sugar and energy level. Doing this will help you alleviate exhaustion through this seemingly arduous process.

    • 3

      Be patient. At some point, your labor is either going to stop or pick up in intensity. Realize that this is just a temporary period and that every contraction you have is bringing your baby closer to being born.

    • 4

      Use visualization. Visualize your baby coming down further into your pelvis with each contraction that you have. Use the words: open, big, huge, soft and wide when referring to your cervix. Stay relaxed during the contractions and allow your body to work.

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