How can I speed up or increase my contractions?
The first thing to consider is the position of the baby. Often a baby who is not resting evenly on the cervix or whose head is not aligned properly in the pelvis will require a slow labor to move the baby. In this case, using positions to encourage your baby to move will help speed labor along. The second thing to consider is your hydration. A dehydrated mother will have a slower, more uncomfortable labor. If you feel hungry, eat something. Your body needs energy to labor and your slow labor may be giving you the time you need to get that energy. You may also find that after you eat something or drink some water your contractions stop. This is normal with prelabor. You may also want to consider the possibility your body needs rest. If you are tired or have not slept within a reasonable amount of time a slow labor may be your body’s way to provide the rest you need. If contractions are still light enough to sleep through, do it. You won’t sleep through the birth of your baby. If contrac
