We’ve been talking about prodromal labor lately, and I keep hearing one question come in more than the others…
Leslie, how in the heck am I supposed to sleep during prodromal labor?
Excellent question.
Prodromal labor is your body’s way of prepping for the real deal. But it can be challenging to sleep through, especially if yours drags on for a month before you deliver.
When you’re in extreme pain from the contractions, which hurt just as much as those in active labor, it may seem like an exercise in futility to get any sort of sleep whatsoever.
So, these tips are specifically for sleep during prodromal labor. Hopefully, they’ll help you rest up. You’re going to need it.
- Sleep as long as possible
If you’re having contractions at night, just lay down and try to rest. Just as in times when you’re not pregnant, they say you should try to lay down and rest. Even just lying down can help you.
Resting in this early stage is so important. Especially if you’re at the very end of your pregnancy, you know that soon, it will be happening. You will be going into labor. It doesn’t seem like it’s helping, but laying down will help your body because you’re not using your energy to walk around.
- Have a soothing bath
How would you pamper yourself? Perhaps dimming the lights in the bathroom and putting essential oils in the tub will help. A nice bath in a serene setting can put you in a trance-like state that will help you sleep. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, dry off, wear your coziest sleep attire, and get into bed.
- Apply heat
Sometimes, that warming, soothing heat can help. A hot pack on your back or lower belly may soothe you enough to fall asleep.
- Drink something warm
Gently warm some milk on the stovetop or sip a calming tea. Hot beverages may be all it takes to relax you into a sleepier state.
- Practice visualization
Try deep breathing and visualize a positive outcome. This may encourage you to fall asleep, but if not, at least you’ll be thinking positively!
- Have a massage
Scheduling a massage may be another way to help you rest. If you can get a masseuse that works with pregnant women, that’s your best shot. Even better, if they can come to your home, you can basically go right to sleep after that.
And above all, just remember this…
It might be harder to sleep through these pains. However, resting will help your body conserve energy for active labor.
If you try to relax as much as possible and rest up, chances are you’ll get some sleep squeezed in before it’s time to have that baby!
Leslie Berry lives with her husband and two young daughters in Los Altos, California, where she loves helping other moms get comfortable with motherhood and embracing the insanity with facts peppered with laughs.
She loves eating too much sushi, exercising, and jamming out on her Fender. Read more about Leslie here.