Contractions late in pregnancy signal the physical work of preparing for birth. The sudden cessation of these contractions after they have begun can be a source of anxiety and confusion about whether labor has started or stalled. Contractions are the involuntary tightening of the uterine muscle, intended to thin and open the cervix (effacement and dilation). Understanding why contractions stop requires distinguishing between different types of uterine tightening and exploring the physiological and mechanical factors that can interrupt true labor.
Identifying False Labor Contractions
The first step in understanding why contractions have ceased is determining if they were true labor contractions. Many pregnant individuals experience false labor, which consists of Braxton Hicks contractions. These uterine tightenings are irregular and unpredictable, remaining mild without increasing in strength over time.
A key characteristic of Braxton Hicks contractions is their response to activity or rest. They often stop when you change position, walk around, or drink water. They are typically felt in the front of the abdomen and do not cause significant change to the cervix.
In contrast, true labor contractions follow a consistent, predictable pattern, gradually becoming closer together, longer, and more intense. True contractions persist regardless of position changes or activity, often starting in the back and sweeping around to the front. The difference is that true labor contractions drive the progressive effacement and dilation of the cervix.
Common Reasons True Labor Stalls
If true labor contractions pause or stop, this is referred to as “stalled” or “prolonged” labor. This interruption is often caused by physiological and mechanical factors. A primary physiological reason is physical and emotional burnout, where the work of early labor leads to exhaustion. This temporary halt allows the person to rest and conserve energy before the active phase resumes.
Hormonal and Environmental Factors
Hormonal shifts play a significant role, particularly the interaction between adrenaline and oxytocin. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, but its release can be inhibited by elevated levels of stress hormones like adrenaline. If a person feels anxious or fearful, such as upon arriving at a hospital, the resulting adrenaline surge can suppress oxytocin production, slowing or stopping contractions. Dehydration can also contribute to uterine irritability, making contractions less effective.
Mechanical Factors and Positioning
Mechanical factors related to the baby’s positioning can also cause labor to stall. If the baby is in a less-than-optimal position for descent, such as facing forward or sideways, contractions may become irregular or stop. This malpositioning prevents the baby’s head from applying the necessary pressure to the cervix, which stimulates continued dilation.
In rare situations, a mechanical obstruction may be the cause, such as cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), where the baby’s head is too large relative to the maternal pelvis. Additionally, medical interventions like an epidural can occasionally reduce the strength and frequency of contractions temporarily. If this occurs, healthcare providers may use synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) to restart uterine activity and ensure labor progression continues.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
If regular contractions have stopped, the first step is to communicate with your healthcare provider or midwife. They can offer guidance tailored to your medical history and the stage of labor reached. While waiting for advice, focus on simple self-care techniques to encourage labor to resume.
Changing position, walking, or resting can sometimes help the baby shift or allow the body to restart contractions. Drinking water or an electrolyte beverage can address potential dehydration contributing to the pause. However, specific scenarios require immediate contact with your care team or an urgent trip to the hospital.
Call your provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Your water has broken, especially if the fluid is green or brown (indicating meconium).
- A sudden reduction in the baby’s usual movement patterns.
- Significant vaginal bleeding (more than light spotting).
- Persistent, severe abdominal pain.
Your provider will assess the situation to ensure maternal and fetal well-being and advise on whether to wait at home or proceed to the birthing facility.