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Benefit of red wine in early labor?

kesryakesrya member
in Natural Birth

So I was in early labor on Thursday all day.  Friday it had slowed down quite a lot, and last night it picked up again at the previous rate (mild to moderate contractions 20 minutes apart). 

My husband spoke to my midwife Thursday evening before they closed their office for the weekend while I was taking a nap and we thought things might progress further overnight (they didn't), and included in the list of things to do besides rest and drink a ton of water was "and if you need to, have a glass or two of red wine".

I didn't get a chance to ask what they would consider the benefit of this is.  I've heard the recommendation previously.  And I know my midwife doesn't really recommend alcohol of any kind during pregnancy - so this is a specific to early labor recommendation.  Is it just to help relax?  Or is there something more to it -- like does the resveratol do something to help?

I've had a few glasses here and there throughout pregnancy. I had a stuffy nose the last few days and didn't want to add anymore histamines to the system, but today everything is getting stronger - so I'm thinking about doing it.

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Re: Benefit of red wine in early labor?

  • MandusMaximusMandusMaximus
    Ina May mentions it in a birth story in her book - as far as I can tell from that and other mentions it's just for relaxation. BUT staying relaxed is a huge deal so you don't impede progress so maybe that's why they recommend it if you can't MAKE yourself relax or something.
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  • missbobbijeanmissbobbijean
    I worked a 12 hr day - all on my feet - and the BH were intense. When I got home, I put my feet up and had a glass. It made me feel soooooooooo much better and allowed me to sleep well when I most likely would not have otherwise.
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  • LittleEgyptLittleEgypt

    I don't know what it is, but I had a big glass when I was in labor! My labor started so fast and furious, I thought it might help relax me/slow things down. I had it with a peanut butter sandwich in my bathtub, LOL.

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  • staryeyesstaryeyes
    imageLittleEgypt:

     I had it with a peanut butter sandwich in my bathtub, LOL.

    Yes  lol, awesome.

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  • BlackvelvetBlackvelvet member
    I don't know why it would help but I had Beer and pizza during labor and it was amazing I have not idea why I wanted that beer so bad (I hardly ever drink and beer is low on the list of things I do drink)  I did relax after drinking it and had my baby a few hours latter.  The beer started out as my sisters but I wanted a sip and then another and it became mine
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  • missfiremissfire member
    I'd always heard of having a glass of wine and a warm bath to slow down your contractions, if you want to try to get more time to sleep or relax before labor starts.
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  • ZacksBrideZacksBride
    alcohol is a tocolytic (ie- slows down contractions).  it will supress the secretion of anti diuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary (where oxytocin comes from as well)... so in drinking alcohol, less oxytocin gets secreted as well, slowing contractions.  not sure how it could help labor along other than helping to relax...
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  • LifesPeachyLifesPeachy member
    I went to L&D last night with lots of BH's and when I spoke to my MW, she suggested having a glass of wine to relax. So, to add to the very scienftic explanation above, yes it's to relax! It is not going to *stop* your labor if you are in fact in labor, but it will help you relax and possibly get sleep or at least in the right mindset for whats next Smile
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