False Labour
Sometimes, in the last weeks and days of pregnancy, you may notice signs of early labour and the body "ripening." Twinges, crampiness and achiness; maybe you lose your mucus plug and have belly tightenings; perhaps it even feels like it's ramping up!
For a quick recap of signs of labour, check out the blog "Am I in Labour?"
You're excited! You move your hips around on your ball all evening; your birth partner cancels their plans for the next day. You watch a funny show, make the Labour Aid, gather the snacks and do all the 'early labour prep' you've been planning! Then you shower for comfort, head to bed for a rest, and hopefully wake up ready to call your doula!
The following day, you wake up, and everything has settled!
That evening, the cycle repeats... the following morning, still nothing! (This is cycle is very common with people who have birthed previously) Maybe you google it or mention it to a friend, and they tell you it's 'false labour'? But here's the thing. There's no such thing as false labour!
However, now you feel disheartened, tired, impatient, and stressed. It feels like 'false labour'—but it isn't because it all counts!
Let's reframe things for you.
Every moment of pregnancy, your baby and your body prepare for birth. Every single minute that passes is one minute closer to meeting your baby. In the last few days of pregnancy, there's so much going on in there that we can't see from the outside that needs to happen before your baby is born; just because it's 'stopping & starting' or moving slowly doesn't mean your body isn't doing exactly what it's supposed to! These early surges might be encouraging your baby to rotate into the optimal position; they might be helping your baby tuck their chin down & align themselves for birth; they might be moving your baby further down into your pelvis; they might be causing your cervix to soften, draw forward, shorten, or begin to open... you're body is doing everything right!
If this is you as you're reading this, or in the next few days or weeks- you're already one moment closer to meeting your baby! This is one moment you'll never do again, and your body has changed! There is now less work to do once a continuing labour pattern unfolds. I promise it will reach a point where the starting doesn't stop until you have your beautiful tiny human in your arms!
So for now, distract yourself, fill your days with things you love - feed your soul, breathe, be patient, and trust. You're so close. It will happen in your own good time ♡
If you need something to “do,” The Mile’s Circuit is a great place to start or hop into my Movement Library and try one of the gentle prenatal movement videos to promote alignment and space in your body and pelvis so baby has lots of room to engage and get things started!
If your 38- to 40-week healthcare provider appointment is coming up, it would be a good idea to recap the blog on 'Labour Induction.' Write down any questions you have for your healthcare provider and your current feelings about the idea because it's almost definitely going to be mentioned, and it helps to feel prepared.
Looking for positive birth stories and reassurance? Follow me on Instagram @ruthruttandoula
