Prodromal labor is a type of false labor contraction that occurs during pregnancy. These contractions are often mistaken for actual labor and can occur in the weeks leading up to your baby's due date. "Prodromal" comes from a Greek word meaning "precursor." Prodromal labor is often the closest thing to active labor you can experience. It’s your body’s way of prepping you for the real thing.
Prodromal labor can be painful, come every five minutes and last 60 seconds each. This is very similar to active labor contractions. However, prodromal labor never advances beyond this point. It doesn’t mean labor is coming or that your cervix has started to dilate (open) or efface (thin).
It can be both frustrating and confusing to experience false labor contractions. Knowing how to spot prodromal labor could help ease your worries.
What causes prodromal labor?
No one is entirely sure what causes prodromal labor, but healthcare providers know that false labor contractions can help your uterine muscles and ligaments prepare for actual labor. There isn’t evidence that prodromal labor causes labor to begin or contributes to faster dilation or effacement.
Some possible causes of prodromal labor are:
Your baby is moving into position for delivery. This is especially true if your baby is breech.
Anxiety or stress.
Physical factors like an irregular pelvis or a uterine anomaly.
Having three or more past pregnancies.
Prodromal labor is completely normal and doesn’t cause your baby any harm. If you’re unsure if what you’re feeling is true labor, your healthcare provider can help. They may ask for you to time your contractions or describe your pain. Other times they will ask you to come in so they can check your cervix. If there is no sign of dilation, you’re probably feeling false labor.
Can prodromal labor lead to real labor?
It leads to actual labor only because it happens before real labor. It doesn’t cause labor to start. It’s your body’s way of gearing up for active labor and delivery.
How long does prodromal labor last?
There is no set time for how long prodromal labor lasts. Labor varies from person to person and from pregnancy to pregnancy. For most people, prodromal labor begins once you are close to full term (37 weeks). One episode of prodromal labor can last up to several days at a time.
How can I feel better during prodromal labor?
Being in a constant state of pre-labor can be tiring and disappointing. Here are some things you can do at home to cope with prodromal labor pains:
Drink lots of water.
Make sure you are eating enough. Small snacks may help.