Prodromal labor is very common in most pregnancies.  It is false labor contractions that are helping your body prep for the real labor.  Prodromal labor occurs in the weeks leading up to your due date.  The bad news about prodromal labor is that it doesn’t necessarily mean real labor is right around the corner.  You may still have weeks before real labor occurs. 

Prodromal labor also does not progress, there is no cervical dilation, or effacing.  In many incidences, prodromal labor can be confused with real labor.  Calling your healthcare provider to double check is no cause for embarrassment.  

Prodromal labor is different from Braxton hicks contractions.  Both are a way for your body to help prepare yourself for real labor.  Braxton hicks contractions are less painful than prodromal labor.  Braxton hicks contractions are also less unpredictable, unlike prodromal labor where the contractions may become regular occurring every 5 minutes, but never getting closer.  Braxton hicks contractions can also start as early as the second trimester.  Where prodromal labor usually doesn’t happen until about 4 weeks out from your due date.  Another difference is Braxton hicks contractions will usually go away when you walk, where prodromal labor will not.  

 

Signs Of Prodromal Labor

Signs of prodromal labor can be very easily mistaken for real labor.  You may experience tightening in the front of your abdomen.  Pain or cramping that doesn’t intensify as time passes.  Contractions can last about one minute in length.  In some cases contractions can be as close as 5 minutes apart, but they don’t get any closer. 

Prodromal labor can leave you feeling frustrated, exhausted, and defeated.  Especially towards the end of the pregnancy, when you are ready to meet your baby. 

If you are uncertain if you are experiencing real labor or prodromal labor, going to your doctor and getting checked will help determine.  A cervical check can see if your cervix is dilating at all.  If not then what you are experiencing is prodromal labor and you will be sent home.  

 

Causes Of Prodromal Labor

Prodromal labor is the body’s way of preparing for labor.  This can be to help your body’s muscles, ligaments, and pelvis get ready for active labor. 

If your baby is in breech positioning, you may also experience prodromal labor more.  This is because your body may have contractions to try to get the baby in a better delivery position. 

An uneven pelvis, or a uterine abnormality may also cause prodromal labor. 

Stress and anxiety are not uncommon emotions to have at the end of a pregnancy.  Having more anxiety can also bring on these false labor contractions. 

If this is not your first pregnancy, you may be at a higher risk of prodromal labor.  

 

Diagnosing

Prodromal labor usually is nothing to fret about.  If you are unsure if it is true labor or not getting checked by a healthcare professional may give you peace of mind.  With prodromal labor there usually is no need for intervention. 

Your doctor will tell you what to keep an eye for in case the prodromal labor turns into real labor.  That way you know when to make your way to the hospital. 

 

Complications

Some causes of concern with prodromal labor is if your water breaks, or you start leaking fluid from your vagina. 

Another concern would be if you have any blood flow from your vagina.  If there is no break in your contractions, or the baby is moving less you will want to seek medical attention. 

Another cause for concern is if you have lower back pain that doesn’t go away.  

 

Tips For Dealing With Prodromal Labor

You can take prodromal labor as a way to help you practice your coping methods for real labor.  This is a great way to practice your relaxation techniques, or breathing methods you have chosen for real labor. 

It is best when you are having episodes of prodromal labor to not overwork yourself.  Try to stay active and busy, but not overdo it. 

Distracting yourself can also be beneficial, walking around the neighborhood, or watching TV. 

Staying upright can be less painful than laying down.  Walk around, or use a birthing ball to try to get in a comfortable position. 

Make sure you stay hydrated and sufficiently fed. 

Eating small snacks to keep your energy up is important. 

Take a shower or a bath to help with pain. 

When the contractions have stopped make sure you are resting as best you can as well.  

 

Takeaway

Prodromal labor or false labor contractions is your body’s way of getting ready for real labor.  It can be frustrating, but take note it does mean the end is near and coming. 

There is no way to progress prodromal labor into real labor.  You will have to be patient for real labor to start on its own.  If you start to show any signs of concern make sure you reach out to your healthcare provider right away.  

 

 

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