This article provides information on comfort measures and temporary strategies for managing early or prodromal labor at home while awaiting medical assessment. These techniques are designed to help distinguish between false labor and established labor, or to manage the prolonged discomfort of early labor. Methods that slow down or stop contractions are generally only effective against Braxton Hicks or prodromal contractions, which do not cause significant cervical change. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and you must contact your healthcare provider immediately if contractions are painful, close together, or if you are less than 37 weeks pregnant.
Positional Changes and Movement
Changing positions is a simple yet effective strategy to interrupt a pattern of contractions that may not be true labor. False labor contractions, often felt only in the front of the abdomen, frequently subside when you move or rest. If contractions diminish after shifting positions, this suggests they were likely not the beginning of established labor that causes cervical dilation.
If the contractions are uncomfortable, lying down on the left side can be particularly soothing. This position improves blood flow to the uterus, which can reduce uterine irritability. Gentle, rhythmic movement, such as slow walking or swaying, can also help you determine if the contractions are true labor, which will continue regardless of activity.
Using hydrotherapy, like a warm bath or shower, can provide significant comfort and relaxation during this phase. The buoyancy and heat can ease muscular tension, helping distinguish between true labor and contractions caused by fatigue or tension. If the contractions continue to grow stronger and more regular in the warm water, this indicates the process is likely moving forward.
The Role of Hydration and Rest
Dehydration and fatigue are common physiological triggers that can cause contractions that mimic early labor. When the body is dehydrated, blood volume decreases, which can increase the concentration of hormones that stimulate the uterus. Dehydration causes the body to release vasopressin, a hormone chemically similar to oxytocin, which can then trigger uterine contractions.
Consuming non-caffeinated fluids, such as water or an electrolyte drink, can often resolve these types of contractions within an hour. Ensuring the bladder is empty is also important, as a full bladder can put pressure on the uterus and irritate it, potentially leading to increased contraction frequency. Resting is equally important, as exhaustion can contribute to the perception of pain and the intensity of prodromal contractions.
Calming the Nervous System
Emotional and mental stress directly impacts the hormonal balance needed for effective labor progression. The stress hormone adrenaline is part of the body’s “fight or flight” response, and its release can counteract the effects of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for stimulating contractions. When adrenaline levels are high, labor can slow down or even stop completely, as the body perceives the environment as unsafe.
Focused breathing techniques are powerful tools for calming the nervous system and reducing the flow of stress hormones. Slow, deep, and rhythmic breathing helps shift the body out of the stress response, encouraging a state of relaxation. Guided imagery or visualization can also serve as a mental distraction, directing focus away from the sensations of contractions and lessening the perception of discomfort.
Engaging in mild distraction, like watching a movie or playing a simple game, can help pass the time and prevent the mind from focusing intensely on every contraction. Light touch or counter-pressure massage provided by a supportive partner can enhance the feeling of safety and comfort. These mind-body techniques allow the body to produce its own pain-relieving endorphins.
Critical Safety Warnings and When to Call a Provider
Attempting to slow labor is inappropriate and potentially risky if you are experiencing signs of established, active labor or a pregnancy complication. True labor contractions will grow progressively longer, stronger, and closer together, typically occurring at regular intervals that do not stop with rest or movement. For a first delivery, providers often advise calling when contractions are consistently every four to five minutes, increasing in intensity, and lasting for an hour.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if you notice any “red flag” symptoms, regardless of the contraction pattern. These include significant vaginal bleeding (more than light spotting) or the rupture of membranes, often felt as a gush or a continuous trickle of fluid. Decreased fetal movement, where the baby is moving less than usual, is also a serious concern that requires immediate medical assessment.
If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and begin experiencing regular, intense contractions, this indicates preterm labor and requires an urgent call to your healthcare provider. Other urgent warning signs include a severe headache that does not resolve, sudden swelling of the face or hands, or persistent severe abdominal pain. Always contact your care team if you are unsure, as they are the only ones who can determine if the cervix is changing and if the labor should be allowed to progress.