SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

There is a wealth of scientific evidence to show how incredibly strong the body/mind continuum is, specifically when it comes to feelings and emotions resulting in physiological changes. If a mother is feeling anxious, fearful or stressed, her body will be reacting from the Sympathetic Nervous System. This system produces adrenaline, (the fight/flight hormone), and the stress hormone catecholamine.

In labour, the mother’s body does not choose fight/flight but freeze. Since the uterus is not needed in the flight or fight state, blood is directed away from the uterus and into the extremities, restricting the flow of blood and oxygen to the uterus. This results in the vertical muscles in the Uterus (in the first stages of labour) having to work much harder to pull upwards and to draw the crossing lateral muscles back.

The result: the cervix then will remain taut and closed; either slowing or completely stoping labour.

Ultimately, being in the Sympathetic Nervous Systen can cause pain and extend the duration of labour.