Can hypnobirthing help with prodromal labor?
How long will it take to get this baby out?!
For most of us who experience pregnancy, especially if it's for the first time, we just want to know what labor will feel like and how long it will last. You may have heard or read a variety of descriptions in regard to the phases of labor, the terms used to describe it, how the sensations feel, and how long it will take. Today we'd like to help remove some of the mystery from these descriptions. Let's first focus on one particular variation of the process: prodromal labor. What is it? Does everyone experience prodromal labor? How do you recognize if you're having it and what can you do about it? Does hypnobirthing help if I'm having prodromal labor?
The definition of prodromal labor
Prodromal labor is generally defined as uterine contractions occurring every day for a couple of weeks and lasting at least several hours at a time. Oh my! How could this be? The main thing to understand here is that the only difference between Braxton-Hicks (warm-up contractions) and labor contractions (the real deal) is that Braxton-Hicks don't cause the cervix to open a significant amount. So if prodromal labor is happening but your cervix is not opening, then technically what you're feeling is Braxton-Hicks.
But wait a minute... are you saying prodromal labor is false labor?
False labor is a really crappy term. It implies that what the person's feeling isn't real. But that isn't the case at all. Prodromal labor can be felt intensely and disrupt sleep patterns. We'd be more inclined to refer to prodromal labor as your particular body's way of wisely warming up for the birth.
How do I know if my cervix is opening?
You might not want to consent to a cervical exam and that is perfectly acceptable. Exams are always optional. Some people feel very curious about their cervixes and that's OK too. You can have your provider examine your cervix or you can learn to examine it yourself. There's a small risk of infection or premature rupture of membranes, so make sure you use proper hygiene practices if you do a self-exam. It's also advisable to talk with your provider about the benefits and risks of the exam. What is the information that an exam will provide? Is the information we'll receive worth the risk? That's for you to decide. And remember, "no, thanks" is a complete sentence.
So if I don't know whether my cervix is opening, can I determine the reasons why I'm experiencing prodromal labor?
In some cases, yes. If you notice the sensations happening at the same time of day (usually at night) for several days and then dissipating by morning, it's probably prodromal labor. The good news is that this kind of activity usually does something. It's usually helping to soften your cervix and thin it out, which makes it more ready to open. A small consolation if you're losing sleep! But knowing that it's normal is a starting point for wrapping your mind around what to do about it. (We're getting to that next, promise!) The other major reason to be aware of is that this type of labor is almost always related to the baby's position. So when we talk next about what to do about prodromal labor we'll address this main cause.
Prodromal labor is uncomfortable! What can I do about it? Can hypnobirthing help?
Yes, hypnobirthing can absolutely help. In HelloBirth class each participant receives a complete audio library as part of their package. If you believe in the power of the mind to create a positive effect in your body, you can absolutely benefit. By listening to the audio library you'll learn skills that help you sleep better at night. So that even if your sleep is interrupted, you will still be sleeping better than you ever have after starting these classes. You'll also have an Optimal Position for Baby track and in class you will learn about positions such as open knee chest that can physically give your baby the space they need to turn into a more optimal position. With the help of the auditory suggestions to target relaxation of relevant ligaments and muscles, this is a powerful combo. We would also recommend listening to Release Your Fear as many times as you need to, as sometimes it's an emotional release that's needed to allow the body to let go and labor activity to progress.
If you're staying hydrated, taking a deep tub bath a few times a week, listening to your HelloBirth tracks every day, and exploring what positions can help improve your comfort level, you're doing everything you can and prodromal labor will hopefully go from feeling like "oh my gah" to "I can handle this." We know it isn't easy to experience the uncertainty of labor activity that seems to lead to nothing. Keep in mind that sensations are signals. Listen to them. And if you're not sure what the signals may be trying to tell you, reach out for support. Your doula or your childbirth education instructor can help! Keep the faith.