23/10/2022
Prodromal birthing, otherwise known as "false labour" or pre-labour, can be a curse or a blessing, depending on how you approach it. 🤰🏻
When a mama starts having birthing sensations, that go on for hours & that neither rest nor activity relieves, it of course leads to the feeling "is this my birthing time??" 😍 And when they don't grow longer, stronger & closer together, & when eventually they stop, it can create feelings of confusion, frustration, concern, impatience! 😔
For some prodromal birthing continues cyclically for days, which can feel draining, especially if they happen overnight. 😴🥱 For others it comes once for hours and then nothing, leaving mama feeling stuck in limbo: expecting her true birth to start any moment. No matter how you experience it, it can feel disheartening. ❤️
But there's a lot of positive things about prodromal birthing to focus on! Prodomal birthing sensations can:
🏵 Ripen your cervix. Your cervix is likely dilating & effacing, which does not occur with Braxton Hicks
🏵 Strengthen your uterus. Your uterus is exercising, a great warm up for the big day!
🏵 Reduce your early birthing time. Because your uterus & cervix have already gained ground, you may reach your active birthing time more quickly when your true birthing begins. Every prodromal birthing experience may be taking a mile or two off the final marathon!
🏵 Encourages baby to move into an optimal birthing position. Prodromal birthing may be the body helping move a baby out of (for example) breech position. To help a baby further, families might like looking at Spinning Babies (1)
🏵 Shine a light on emotions that need clearing for a smoother birthing experience. Prodromal birthing may mean there are feelings that need to be released, which can be achieved through meditation, journalling, fear clearing, hypnosis or simply talking it through with someone.
🏵 Remind you to slow down. Sometimes birth can come as a surprise that a family doesn't feel ready for: they're still working on their To Do List, or not resting or exercising etc. as much as they want to before the Big Day. A Prodromal birthing can be a wonderful practice run, to remind us what is important to prioritise right now!
🏵 Help you practice your mindfulness, which is a great birthing tool! Notice what thoughts are in your mind during & after your prodromal birthing time. Mentally examine your body, and how it is responding to those thoughts. What feelings do the thoughts raise? Take a deep breathe, & affirm to yourself to let go of any thoughts or feelings that do not serve you. Soften your body, & if you haven't already, start practicing mindfulness daily (2)
Prodromal birthing is a sign that baby is almost ready, & your body is almost there! Be patient, & enjoy these last few days or weeks of your pregnancy as much as you can. This stage of motherhood for this baby will be over soon, & wont come again. ❤️
1. https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/three-ways-to-body-balance/
2. https://www.emmaand3.com/7-ways-to-practice-mindfulness-during-pregnancy/
Image: Made for Mums
