Is it possible to hold off labor?

Kimber · Dec 4th, 2012, 20:11 PM

Just curious--do you think staying off your feet, relaxing, laying low, etc. will help postpone labor?

I am dilated and effaced, which I know I could walk around this way for weeks. My husband is working out of town for the next 7 days and so I obviously don't want to go into labor before he's home. Chances are I very well may not--but I'd like to do whatever I can to not go into labor.

My doc wouldn't really answer one way or another whether staying down will help!

P.S. I'm still working (teaching preschool) and would prefer to just keep at it, which is why I'm asking! Super active job!

lch28 · Dec 4th, 2012, 20:23 PM

its worth a shot if your really concerned, doctors suggest bed rest for women at risk for ptl , ive been on bed rest since 20 weeks

NaturalMomma · Dec 4th, 2012, 20:50 PM

Studies show that bed rest doesn't really help, in fact, it may do more damage then good. If your body is ready you're going to go into labor no matter what. Since you're only 36 weeks, I'd say it's unlikely you'd go into labor anyways. And just laying around for days on end can make you really sore.

Butterfly89 · Dec 4th, 2012, 20:55 PM

I've heard that bed rest is sometimes prescribed too! But that might be for specific conditions like placenta previa... I'm not sure how it applies. One lady in my prenatal fitness class said she had been dilated and effaced for weeks with no other labour signs, and she was still working out with us (though taking it easy).

This reminded me of an amazing story I heard... a lady in Poland was having twins and sadly went into labour very early with one, and to save the other, she literally stayed upside down for weeks until the baby was developed enough to be born safely!! That is maternal love for you!!

If the doctor isn't worried, I would think its probably medically ok to still work.. but maybe try and take it easy as possible if you feel like something is too much and really listen to your body.

Kimber · Dec 4th, 2012, 20:59 PM

Thanks ladies! I'd certainly rather just keep working than sitting around. Doc definitely wasn't concerned--he said if I went into labor it'd be fine. My concern was moreso about getting my hubby home!

NaturalMomma · Dec 4th, 2012, 21:48 PM

Most women are dialated 1-2 cms around 36 weeks and go into labor 40+ weeks. Dialation doesn't = labor any time soon. In fact, I'm most likely dialated 2ish cms now at only 28 weeks because this is my third pregnancy/baby and I'll likely go into labor around 40 weeks.

Kimber · Dec 4th, 2012, 22:25 PM

The dilation wasn't surprising or concerning to me at all. It was the effacement that started to make me worry that I'd go early.

Dec 4th, 2012, 20:11 PM	#1
Kimber Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Posts: 352	Is it possible to hold off labor? Just curious--do you think staying off your feet, relaxing, laying low, etc. will help postpone labor? I am dilated and effaced, which I know I could walk around this way for weeks. My husband is working out of town for the next 7 days and so I obviously don't want to go into labor before he's home. Chances are I very well may not--but I'd like to do whatever I can to not go into labor. My doc wouldn't really answer one way or another whether staying down will help! P.S. I'm still working (teaching preschool) and would prefer to just keep at it, which is why I'm asking! Super active job!

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Dec 4th, 2012, 20:23 PM	#2
lch28 Other BnB Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 5,996	its worth a shot if your really concerned, doctors suggest bed rest for women at risk for ptl , ive been on bed rest since 20 weeks
lch28 Other BnB Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 5,996
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Dec 4th, 2012, 20:50 PM	#3
NaturalMomma Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2,592	Studies show that bed rest doesn't really help, in fact, it may do more damage then good. If your body is ready you're going to go into labor no matter what. Since you're only 36 weeks, I'd say it's unlikely you'd go into labor anyways. And just laying around for days on end can make you really sore.

Status: Offline

Dec 4th, 2012, 20:55 PM	#4
Butterfly89 Mum (Mom) Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 1,558	I've heard that bed rest is sometimes prescribed too! But that might be for specific conditions like placenta previa... I'm not sure how it applies. One lady in my prenatal fitness class said she had been dilated and effaced for weeks with no other labour signs, and she was still working out with us (though taking it easy). This reminded me of an amazing story I heard... a lady in Poland was having twins and sadly went into labour very early with one, and to save the other, she literally stayed upside down for weeks until the baby was developed enough to be born safely!! That is maternal love for you!! If the doctor isn't worried, I would think its probably medically ok to still work.. but maybe try and take it easy as possible if you feel like something is too much and really listen to your body.

Status: Offline

Dec 4th, 2012, 20:59 PM	#5
Kimber Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Posts: 352	Thanks ladies! I'd certainly rather just keep working than sitting around. Doc definitely wasn't concerned--he said if I went into labor it'd be fine. My concern was moreso about getting my hubby home!

Status: Offline

Dec 4th, 2012, 21:48 PM	#6
NaturalMomma Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2,592	Most women are dialated 1-2 cms around 36 weeks and go into labor 40+ weeks. Dialation doesn't = labor any time soon. In fact, I'm most likely dialated 2ish cms now at only 28 weeks because this is my third pregnancy/baby and I'll likely go into labor around 40 weeks.

Status: Offline

Dec 4th, 2012, 22:25 PM	#7
Kimber Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Posts: 352	The dilation wasn't surprising or concerning to me at all. It was the effacement that started to make me worry that I'd go early.

Status: Offline

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