Fatigue During Labor

October 11, 2008

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Fatigue During Labor

by Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.
reviewed by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

Even though your child's birth is sure to be one of the most thrilling events in your life, you may be surprised how tired-make that exhausted!-you can feel during labor and delivery. Like many women, you might be fatigued before you even begin labor because you haven't been sleeping well for weeks. And if your labor starts in the wee hours of the morning, robbing you of a full night's sleep, it's easy to become extremely tired during this physically demanding process. This is more than a minor inconvenience--a mother's fatigue actually can interfere with the progress of her labor. Sometimes, of course, this can't be avoided, but here are some tips:

Particularly if you're a first-time mom, try not to get too excited when you think labor is starting, particularly if it is evening or nighttime. Don't start timing your contractions until they are so strong that you can't have a conversation through them. Often, first-time moms take such copious notes during their early labor that they exhaust themselves. As much as possible, ignore your contractions until they can't be ignored. Go about your normal activities: Take a walk, stand in the shower, and if at all possible, sleep!

In active labor, when you are working to get through each contraction, focus on relaxing between them. Consider a warm bath or shower if available. Maybe have your partner massage your legs during contractions. If you have chosen an epidural, try to sleep as soon as you are comfortable. There will be work to do later!

When you are pushing, try to completely relax between contractions. Ask for help from your nurse or doula (birth attendant) so your pushing is effective. If you have an epidural, ask your practitioner if it is OK to wait until the baby descends more and you have an urge to push. Pushing without the urge can be ineffective and exhausting, particularly with a first baby. A common indication for vacuum or forceps delivery is maternal exhaustion, in which the mother isn't able to make further progress pushing out her baby. Try pushing in different positions to see what works best. Sometimes squatting or pushing while on all fours can help rotate a baby who is not coming easily.

Try to keep a good attitude and realize that labor and delivery will come to an end, and you will be able to rest soon after you give birth. Ironically, though, at this point many parents are too excited to rest!


RELATED INFORMATION

			Dads in the Delivery Room
			The Birth of Your Baby
			Events of Labor
			Fatigue During Pregnancy

Created January 17, 2001
Reviewed August 14, 2004

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