Understanding the rollercoaster of emotions in early labour

Congratulations pregnant mama! You are nearing the end of your pregnancy! Most likely you have already started to experience a wide range of emotions, signaling the start of early labour.

Early labour is the longest phase of labour. The contractions are generally easy to handle. But, if a mama has already decided in her mind that she is in labour, it becomes very hard for her to ignore the contractions. This can lead to her feeling a multitude of emotions.

As one nears the end of pregnancy, many mamas may wish for it to be over. How many videos have you seen on social media of heavily pregnant mamas, rolling out of bed, complaining that yet again they are not in labour?

It’s understandable that some mamas just wish for baby to arrive. The mama may feel hot, uncomfortable, awkward, tired and fat.

Or you might just be incredibly excited to see your baby. You want to count their little toes and kiss their face. You just can't wait for this next season in your life to happen.

So, what kind of emotions may you be experiencing?

• At first, feelings of excitement and anticipation

• Calm and peacefulness

• Mood swings such as irritability or anger

• Crying for no reason

• Joy and hope

• The urge to nest

• Anxiety over what is to come

• Fear of the unknown

• Impatience

• Feeling overwhelmed

Hopefully by now, you know that it is very rare for babies to arrive on their due date. So, either your baby will be coming a few days earlier or more likely in the days after. According to Evidence Based Birth, at least half of mothers give birth around 40 weeks and the rest after 40 weeks.

This means that mama, you will have to learn some patience. I'm not saying it will be easy, but it is definitely possible.

The beauty of waiting

Knowing that you're in the stages of early labour may come as a relief or as a burden. Feeling intense joy knowing that the end is near, only to end up in frustration as you realise that this is just a waiting game. What a rollercoaster!

Being able to identify these emotions, can be a good thing though. It shows you that your body and baby are harder at work than ever, preparing for labour and birth.

I'd love to share some ideas that could maybe help you to get through these trying days or weeks. They might not be what you want to hear, but I hope it can give you a different perspective on what you're going through. And instead of rolling over in the morning, complaining that you're still pregnant, to rejoice that you have another day of baby growing and preparing herself to live well after birth!

Some helpful tips

1. Continue with your normal routine. Sitting around and scrolling on your phone as you wait, is not helpful to you or baby. It is important to move, eat and sleep so you can be strong for when labour comes.

2. Do something fun. Doing something fun can distract you from feeling those contractions. Go on a coffee date with your friend. Play hide and seek with your other children. Plant something. Bake something delicious. Treat yourself to a massage! The possibilities are endless.

3. Keep moving. Labour could take many hours and will require a lot of energy and strength. Continue walking or staying active (Safely).

4. Rest, rest, rest. Your new baby will require a lot of attention and energy from you. Try to get as much rest and sleep as you can.

5. Learn to be patient. Yes, I know. This is so hard. But you can do hard things. You are not a little child who doesn't understand what patience means. You are a beautiful, adult woman who has learnt the skill and understanding of what it means to wait. View this as simply a deeper way of learning patience. Not to get what you want in the end, but to grow in maturity and strength.

6. Journal. Writing down our thoughts can help settle our hearts and mind. If you're overcome by emotions, try to jot them down. Surrender your thoughts.

   

I am rejoicing with you over your upcoming birth! I know waiting can be hard, especially when we feel so many emotions. Know that you are not alone, and that many mamas have been in this exact same spot. Try to enjoy it, because you'll never get this season back.

In hope,

Esther

Sources

Evidence Based Birth

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn

The Christian Childbirth Handbook