WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Labor stress

Labor stress
Labor stress can be one of the more difficult symptoms to manage during pregnancy. It can manifest as physical tension, emotional worries, and feelings of being overwhelmed.

As the due date approaches, it's understandable that many women experience stress about the challenges and uncertainties of labor and delivery.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
It is normal to feel stressed as the due date approaches. This stress can affect your emotional well-being, causing feelings of anxiety or depression. It can also affect your physical health, leading to a lack of sleep or appetite.

However, you may (have) develop(ed) coping mechanisms to manage your stress throughout pregnancy.
Prevent and care
Labor can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for many women. It's important to learn techniques for managing stress during labor to promote a safe and positive birthing experience.
  • Pay attention to physical symptoms like excessive fatigue and muscle tension.
  • Monitor emotional signs such as anxiety and irritability. 
  • Seek support from your healthcare provider if you suspect labor stress.
Empowering you to be the main decision maker in your birth.  
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
You should consult your healthcare provider if you feel that labor stress is interfering with your daily activities or well-being. This may include experiencing panic attacks, severe anxiety, or symptoms of depression. 

A healthcare provider can offer emotional support, counseling, or other resources to manage labor stress and promote a healthy pregnancy.
Top Asked Questions
What are common physical symptoms of labor stress during pregnancy?

Physical signs may include excessive fatigue and muscle tension.

What emotional signs might indicate labor stress?

Emotional indicators can include anxiety and irritability.

How can I manage labor stress during pregnancy?

Practicing relaxation techniques and seeking support from healthcare providers can help manage labor stress.

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All I Need to Know
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Mya
1 Feb 2024

Just did the NST(non stress test) her heart rate dropped 3 times plus growth restriction and my preeclampsia came back I think so they are sending me to labor and delivery! I could have her tomorrow!! Please pray for me 🩷

4 comments
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Kinsey
Prayers babe. Everything will go smoothly and as it should. 🤍 prayers for healthy baby and mama.
27 Mar 2024

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Anijah🦋
Prayers🙏🏾 and good luck. I start my NST’s next week and my son is borderline growth restricted.
27 Mar 2024

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Brittney
19 Dec 2023

I'm now 40weeks and 5 days. Only dilated 2cm. They did a stress test and I'm not having any contractions whatsoever. Was really hoping for a natural birth but if he doesn't come this week I'm scheduled for a C-section next Weds. 1 day before I'm 42 weeks. Has anyone else gone this long overdue without any signs of labor at all?

5 comments
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Karen
With my youngest son I went 42 weeks exactly! I was scheduled to be induced and started having contractions a few hours before I went to the hospital. I was at 1cm when I got there and two hours later I was at 6cm.
27 Mar 2024

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Leona
Why a c-section? Why not induce you?
27 Mar 2024

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Samantha
6 Dec 2023

So mama's I went to the hospital for my usual non stress test. They checked me I'm dilated to a 2 almost 3, and 75% effective. Has any of you guys been that? If so low long until you went into labor? With my son I went like 2 days after.

3 comments
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April
It’s all wierd to me too..went into preterm labor Halloween night and measured at a one.. things calmed down I got sent home & fast forward almost 32wx still no action
27 Mar 2024

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Ashley
I was 33 weeks when I went into preterm labor, was at a 1 then literally two days later I was a 4 50% effaced, they kept me until I was 34 weeks and sent me home. I’ve been stalled out at a 4cm for 3 weeks, but now I’m 70% effaced, I’ll be 37 weeks next Monday and my dr wants to do a membrane sweep on me next week. So let’s see how long it’ll take for things to push on forward!!
27 Mar 2024

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Ashleyrenee
18 Oct 2023

These Older Kids Stress Me Out Causing Me To Stress My Baby Out I Got A Feeling I’m Gonna Have A Early Labor 🤦🏻‍♀️ I’m The Only Parent In My House Hold Taking Care Of Everything By Myself No Help No Nothing But I’m Not Supposed To Be Angry

4 comments
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StephaNNie
Girl I keep making a to do list and nothing gets done I hate to yell or keep talking my stomach gets so knotted Just breath and smile please 🙏
27 Mar 2024

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Ashleyrenee
I swear I try so hard to be calm everyday I have a 10 and 6 year old my 10 year old is old enough to clean up behind herself when I clean my kitchen spotless and get up to all my cabinets open dishes on the floor cereal on the counter sugar bags open sauce spilled on the counter it’s frustrating it’s jus me I don’t have a second hand and im already in pain because it’s near the end so a lot of times my energy is low
27 Mar 2024

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Kristin
19 Feb 2023

I know tmi but I don’t honestly care I’m going through it. Anyone know if throwing up and then Diarrhea right after means labor is near? I been having bad cramps too. But two days ago Dr said I wasn’t dilating and my non stress test didn’t show any contractions. So I dunno?? Help

8 comments
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Izze
I had that too last week but I did have minimal contractions on my n.s.t ran it thru my Dr said it's common and also not alarming but he said best thing to do go get seen and follow ur instinct can just be a false alarm but peace of mind for sure I get your freaking out I was too but it is early signs I'd say go get checked out if it gets worse or continues after 4 hrs that's what my doctor says and he's a high risk doctor that's really good
27 Mar 2024

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Kristin
Thank u. I usually only do it one time. Throw up then directly after diarrhea.
27 Mar 2024

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Amanda
30 Dec 2022

Had the stress test today on the baby but noticed yesterday I was in pain all my Lower back. So today during stress test I was having contractions but not enough for them to keep me. My lower back still hurts but I feel like my whole body hurts like if I was sick but im not.i just don't feel like myself I hate it. Anyone felt this before going into labor? I'm 35 weeks.

7 comments
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Jasmine
I feel your pain because my lower back do the same thing so I understand where you coming from..I guess lower back pain is contraction right
27 Mar 2024

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Angelica
I don’t wish back labor on anyone I had it with my son prior to this baby and it was hell I felt like I was going to die I was screaming in pain and I was in labor for about 16 hours it was the worst thing ever you will know when it’s back labor
27 Mar 2024

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Savannah
20 Dec 2022

I’m starting to stress about labor 😅 I run out of breath so fast I’m scared I won’t be able to catch my breath in labor and of course of other complications and I’m SCARED of that epidural needle. Give me all the tattoos and piercings in the world but lord that needle is something else 😂 makes me wanna cry

5 comments
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Nici🍭
Just start prepping for it … don’t think about it negatively because the mind is a powerful thing
27 Mar 2024

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Savannah
How should I start prepping? I’d like to
27 Mar 2024

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Jasmine
21 Sep 2022

Well went for my stress test today &' got sent right to labor & delivery for baby heart rate going up && down !! 💓🙏🏽but God got us everything will be good I'm just waiting for my room ! I'll be off here till further notice just wanna relax my mind &' prepare myself for today.

11 comments
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Brioncaaa
You got this 🙌🏾🙌🏾❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Anne
You got this 🤞🏾☺️
27 Mar 2024

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Sabrina
14 Jun 2022

Officially 39 weeks, no baby yet !!! I’ve definitely been stressing less, drinking my tea, in addition doing my night stretch and yoga routine. I read that stress can delay your labor… for my June mommies who are waiting with me, you got this!!!! Can’t wait for our turn.. #waitinglabor

2 comments
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Emily
💙💙🙏🏻
27 Mar 2024

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markeya
Me I’m 38 weeks in 4 days still no baby and I’m 2cm dilated
27 Mar 2024

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Emily
22 May 2022

Every time I get bad pains in 3rd trimester I think I'm going into early labor!?!? Happened last night at 2 a.m. 😳 Working so much is putting too much stress on body.

8 comments
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shantel
How do those pains feel Em, because early this morning I felt a bad pain on my left side, never felt that before in this pregnancy… it woke me up out of my sleep…. just wondering if I’m having some of what you’re experiencing 😔
27 Mar 2024

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Emily
yes last night I woke up around 2 a.m. different type of pain. It was on right side by belly button kinda. Stabbing. I made myself get up go to bathroom no blood no discharge. Walked around for awhile in the bedroom. And then eventually laid back down on left side. All the time my husband was sleeping. Definitely not contractions because it wasn't coming in waves. It was constant. Probably last over an hour and eventually I went back to sleep. It kinda felt like round liagment pains...but more intense
27 Mar 2024

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