The dreaded Prodromal Labor
Since I have been seeing so many moms having Prodromal Labor recently, I wanted to address what it is, what it does and doesn't do and how to help it progress to active labor.
What is it? Contractions feel strong, last 60 seconds and are 5-10 minutes apart. They are intense enough to prevent sleeping and require you to stop what your doing and breath through them. They feel like active labor. Other signs of labor may accompany these contractions. Prodromal Labor feels like the real thing. It's not.
What does it do? It can cause some cervical changes. You may even notice your mucus plug being expelled, feel pelvic pressure and experience loose stools. It starts around the same time each day and can be exhausting and frustrating.
What doesn't it do? Prodromal Labor doesn't progress in intensity and it doesn't bring a baby.
How can you help it to progress to active labor? Prodromal Labor can be caused by a baby that isn't in an optimal position for labor and birth. Try these things:
1. Lunges - hold the lunge for 60 seconds on each side. Repeat 5 times.
2. Curb walking or stair climbing
3. Side Lying Release - repeat every 3-4 hours
4. Forward leaning inversion - hold position for one contraction, come up at the end of the contraction and repeat for up to 5 contractions. Repeat every 3-4 hours.
5. Prenatal Massage to relax the hips and pelvic muscles.
6. Chiropractor trained in the Webster Technique
7. Floating belly down in a pool.
8. Lift and tuck during contraction. Hold and release for 3 contractions.
7. Pelvic Tilts
Helpful resources for optimal positioning: https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/
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