These last weeks of pregnancy sometimes seem to go on forever. Contractions may get stronger at times and make you wonder if this could be it. Sometimes it's frustrating to come to the hospital only to be sent home without a baby in your arms. This pre-labor period is helping your body get ready for the big day, but not yet. We recommend that during this pre-labor period you find a comfortable place to relax.
In the meantime, if you find it difficult to concentrate on anything but the birth of this baby, these tips may help you remain comfortable through the hours, days or weeks while you are waiting.
If labor has stopped or slowed down:
- Sleep or just rest
- Snuggle with or be close to your partner
- Listen to relaxing music
- Eat or drink something
- Get a hug
- Go for a walk
- Get a foot, hand, back or shoulder massage
- Go shopping
- Go to a movie or rent the funniest video you can find
- Go to your favorite room in your home and slowly relax each part of your body
Remind yourself that you will not be pregnant forever.
As contractions get stronger you may need added ways to cope with labor:
- Go for a walk
- Rock in a rocking chair
- Take a shower or a bath
- Slow dance
- Relax between contractions
- Change positions often
- Find someone to tell you what a good job you are doing
- Try slow, deep breathing
- Drink water, juice or other clear liquids
- Use lip balm on dry lips
- Watch a movie
- Hold hands with someone you love
- Pray
- Tell jokes; listen to jokes
- Call your labor coach
- Suck on a sour lollipop or popsicle
- Cool yourself with a washcloth dipped in ice water
- Use the bathroom more often
For lower backache, try ice packs or heat or switch between hot or cold; use tennis balls, a rolling pin or a doorknob for counter pressure. MOVE YOUR PELVIS.
Congratulate yourself for being such a patient new parent. Think of the baby coming down and out to meet you very soon.
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