Labour prep: I've got to relax!

[rebeccav]

I thought I was going into labour last night, I was having BH that were starting to hurt, and they felt like hard menstrual cramps. Everytime the baby moved while one was happening, it hurt alot!

But the thing I noticed was that I started getting really shaky and jittery, and I really had to work on relaxing. It only lasted about a half-hour and stopped, but now I'm thinking, if I was getting shaky just over a few hard contractions, how am I going to handle "real" labour?

I have a doula, but I don't plan to have her come over during early labour. My last labour contractions didn't feel quite like that did, so I'm not sure what was even going on last night.

I need ideas for relaxing and what to do next time this happens! :confused: :)

[karin]

I would force myself to breathe deeply and relax at odd moments, like while chopping vegetables or doing laundry. It helped that I could relax anytime in an instant. Also remember that if it hurts, it is pain with a purpose.

[hedra]

Trust your instincts. If you are concerned that your doula will be there later than you need, call her and talk to her. Perhaps she will have ideas that are specific to you, since she should know your needs better than we do!

So, sounds like you may need some differnt options this time around. Okay, not a problem. Get a heat sock (dry rice in a tube sock, tie a knot in one end, put in microwave until nice and hot but not burnt, apply to belly or back). Ask DH to buy you a birth ball (aka 'yoga ball' or 'exercise ball'). They're about $25-35 around here. Try the shower the next time. Make sure you've got enough food in your system at all times (not sugary sweets - your adrenaline reaction burns up your bloodsugar, which gives you the shakes when it crashes out - try oatmeal, barley, protiens, 12 grain breads, beans).

It does sound like you got a burst of adrenaline with those contractions. Keep your bloodsugar stable with long-burning carbs and protien, and call your doula with your concerns... And definitely try the relaxing at any time thing.

Bonus, those intense bursts of contractions probably are doing something, even if just helping soften your cervix.

Good luck, hope to hear of new baby soon! :)

[Alberta Mom]

I was going to suggest taking a nice long shower but Sorsha beat me to it! :D

It worked wonders for me with my last two pgcys because I got a little 'worked up' when I realized I was in labour too. It's probably a combination of a lot of things but for me, mainly, it was excitement, anticipation and a little fear of the unknown too.

You'll do just great!!

[Benny's Mom]

Hi there,

One thought I had was that it may have hurt when the baby moved because he/she may have to shift positions. My prodromal labor hurt my abdomen and my back because my son was twisting from sunny side to nose down. If you think that the contractions are trying to help the baby shift positions you can help by getting on your hands and knees and doing squats. Your doula will also have great suggestions. Don't be afraid to call her no matter how early and you can decide together what you need. After all, she's your support, and if you feel shakey for whatever reason, lean on her! Best wishes.