Severe prodromal labor? How to cope?!? Updated!!

Kwest1007 · August 2015

So I have had constant, painful contractions since Sat night (some may have seen my post about my hospital stay Sat night, where I was given a morphine cocktail for a "therapeutic rest" and was then sent home because I wasn't in as in much pain. I came home and slept all day Sunday, only waking slightly cause of contractions. Around 10pm, contractions started strong again and were about 10mins apart. Then by 2am they were 4-5minutes apart and so intense I was in tears. I went back to hospital and very very little cervical change occurred. They offered me another "therapeutic rest" or go home with ambien and try to ride it out. I chose to come home this time. I slept for about 3hrs from the ambien (of course waking from contractions). My contractions have yet to stop and are soooo severe, about every 5mins to the point of crying. I'm trying to ride it out as much as possible but think ill end up back for the therapeutic rest! I can't sleep. I can't stand. It's even a huge chore just to get into the bathroom.
How have others handled this prodromal labor? Was urs non stop n so severe? I knew labor was gonna be hell but I feel like I'm already in hell and it's not even productive. :-( mentally and physically breaking down

Update: After emotionally breaking down and being on my knees in the shower crying for an hr, my husband demanded I go back to hospital and insist on staying. We got there and I was 5cm dilated!! Daisy June was born just a few short hours later!! I'll give more info on her birth announcement! Thanks so much ladies for your words!

jessandandy09 · August 2015

Yikes! that really suck. I don't have any great advice, the only thing that I thought felt good the times I was in labor was warm showers. Good luck momma, and lots of thoughts and prayers for you.

deviduke412 · August 2015

Yea this was me just over 2 weeks ago. However, the ambien they sent me home with didn't work! From the beginning to when my son was born was about 24 hours. Thank goodness I progressed and real labor started the night of the day they sent me home Bc it wasn't active labor yet. My coping mechanisms were music and having my husband massage and rub my lower back during every contraction. The tub didn't work near as much as I thought it would. I hated sitting too! I hope you can find something that works for you.

bpwife&mama · August 2015

Are you over due at this point? I can't believe they won't induce you at this point!

Miz_Liz · August 2015

What does your OB say about it all? I understand the hospital keeps sending you home, but if you call your actual Dr maybe they can induce?

kat+1 · August 2015

I would suggest going to the hospital and telling them that at this point going home is no longer an option and you would like to be admitted and see by a doctor or OB. Refuse the your pubic crest or any drugs that they're going to try and get you and tell him that you would like to have the baby checked and the intensity of your contractions monitored for at least 24 hours to make sure there's no problems.

In reality what you need to understand realize basically having a service provided to you it's like going to a restaurant and ordering something and then telling you no, but you can take this and go home.
I know it seems a bit different to think this way but if your this stressed then you shouldn't request to be admitted to observation.
You need to know that it's in your rights to ask for other options and forms of treatment of your not getting the help you think you should.

Just don't back down, ask questions and always ask of There is more then what is being offered.

Bailey1823A · August 2015

L&D RN weighing in. It sucks to have prodromal labor. I've been there, but unfortunately if your not overdue and not making adequate cervical changes a lot of times L&D won't keep you since they have to have room for people who are actually in labor or have complications. I know you are in pain and it does suck but if the L&D units kept everyone in pain there wouldn't be any open beds for patients who were ready to have their babies with advanced dilation. They have to check with your dr before sending you home so unfortunately your dr doesn't see medical reason for you to stay. My advice is to try and work through the contractions. Walk or squat on a birthing ball to see if that keeps the intensity going to hopefully change your cervix. You can go back to L&D and have the baby monitored and contractions monitored but if you aren't overdue and your contractions are still 4-5 min apart your ob probably won't be able to induce you yet, plus if your body isn't ready you would be more likely to have a c/s if an induction was forced. Hang in there and I hope you kick in to active labor soon!

moxykel · August 2015

Agree with Bailey1823Q ^^^^ Also an L&D RN....and had three days of latent labour before active labour with my first baby! I feel your pain and frustration. Just keep trying frequent position changes. Maybe propping up on your hands and knees with lots of pillows or a big ball, see if you can coax that baby in a good position to make those contractions effective. I found the tub or shower helpful too.... Hang in there!

kettlekitten · August 2015

@Kwest1007 how are you going now??

Kwest1007 · August 2015

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Severe prodromal labor? How to cope?!? Updated!!

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