Prodromal Labor
Every mom who has experienced multiple pregnancies will tell you each pregnancy, delivery, and baby are different. With my latest two pregnancies, I was one of the lucky chosen mamas (note sarcasm) who had the pleasure of experiencing prodromal labor. While I really want to write a blog entitled “A Big Middle Finger to Prodromal Labor,” for now, I will simply tell you the facts about this not so wonderous part of pregnancy that I didn’t even know existed before I had already gone to the hospital twice, only to be sent home.
What is prodromal labor?
Prodromal labor is the term used when a pregnant person has intense and painful contractions that can occur at regular intervals. I am here to tell you; these contractions can very much feel like you are in active labor.
Many sources say that these contractions come and go, often at the same time during the day or night. Unfortunately, (per my own experience) they may also simply continue at steady intervals until active labor truly begins.
These contractions do not usually affect your cervix which is why prodromal labor is often called “false labor.” Although, I will be the first to tell you that being told I was not in labor would only make me angry because it felt like real labor (even after experiencing two prior deliveries).
Prodromal labor contractions can help to get your baby into a better position for delivery. For some, working through these contractions in specific ways can help prepare your body and baby for delivery (some discussed below).
How is prodromal labor different than Braxton hicks and active labor?
Braxton hicks are contractions that are essentially practice contractions. They are a heightening in your uterus that can be uncomfortable, are mildly painful, can come and go, and go away with simply changes. It is very common for pregnant people to experience Braxton hicks’ contractions.
Prodromal labor contractions on the other hand, are exceptionally painful, feel like true labor contractions, are time-able, and do not go away with known changes. It is still common to experience these contractions but thankfully many less actually do.
“True” labor contractions stay consistent and grow both closer together and increase in intensity. Labor contractions will also have an effect on your cervix as they are actually working to deliver your baby.
How can I tell which type of contraction I am having?
While it is fairly easy to tell the difference between a Braxton hicks contraction and other types of contractions – they are often not painful or mildly painful, go away with hydration, relaxation, eating, changing positions or relaxing, and vary in duration and frequency; it is much harder to tell the difference between prodromal contractions and labor contractions.
Oftentimes, even to the experienced birther, it can be impossible to differentiate the two without some kind of an exam from a medical professional. Don’t be embarrassed or concerned with calling them anytime you think you need to. They are used to these questions and would much rather you call them or get checked than have an accidental unassisted home birth. Not to mention it may (huge may here) help ease your mind.
How long does prodromal labor last?
No one can tell you how long prodromal labor will last in any given pregnancy. It can last days or weeks and sometimes even longer.
How do I know when to call my doctor or midwife?
As stated above, it is nearly impossible to distinguish a difference between these contractions and labor contractions, so if you have any concerns you should always call. I will add anecdotally that this was the second most difficult parts for me. I remember crying as I left the hospital for the third time, having prodromal contractions every 2 minutes, because I believed that I would not know when I was in “real” labor.
If you experience any of these things, you should definitely call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital:
- Your water breaks
- There is any blood
- Excessive or strange discharge
- You feel the urge to push
- You are dizzy or lightheaded or have any pains in your chest
What does prodromal labor feel like?
Prodromal labor is painful and exhausting. Each contraction, which is usually at regular intervals (usually every 5-10 minutes), is a painful tightening of your uterus that can last as much as a minute in duration. They are almost impossible to distinguish from labor contractions.
Emotionally, in my opinion, the hardest part, prodromal contractions are both draining and exhausting. They can make you feel crazy; from people telling you that you are not in labor or that they will get worse (only partially true), from the physical pain, from lack of sleep or inability to relax.
What causes prodromal labor?
It would seem that no one actually knows what causes prodromal labor, but many medical professionals agree that it could be due to a few factors:
- Your babies’ position: If your body believes that your baby is not in the optimal position for delivery (such as being breech), it is possibly that your body will go into prodromal labor to help move your baby into a better position.
- A physical component: If your body is not aligned in some way such as having an uneven pelvis or some kind of abnormality in your uterus, you may experience these contractions as your body working to align itself for birth.
- Emotional factor: Some believe that if you are experiencing anxious or apprehensive feelings in your life or about your pregnancy, it may cause these contractions.
- Subsequent pregnancies: There is a correlation between having more than one pregnancy (specifically more than three) and experiencing prodromal labor. It is believed that it has to do with the way your uterus changes with each pregnancy.
Can I stop prodromal labor?
There is no known way to alleviate prodromal labor.
Can prodromal labor hurt me or my baby?
While prodromal contractions are painful, they are not generally dangerous to you or your baby. With this said, if you have any concern, always consult your healthcare provider. Every time I went to the hospital with prodromal labor, they would monitor my baby to make sure that he/she was handling the contractions well.
How do I progress real labor?
Again, there is no sure-fire way to progress yourself from this stage to “true” labor. And unfortunately, prodromal contractions on their own are not cause for induction.
How do I handle prodromal labor?
Some find comfort in knowing that for many (but not all) once “true” labor starts it is usually (but not always) much faster than active labor without prodromal labor. This was definitely true for me the first time around. Once “true” labor started, I only had 2.5 hours between believing something was different and holding my baby.
I highly recommend contacting your doula (if you have one). They will not only help you by giving you different breathing techniques and positions to help relieve the pain but will also help you emotionally cope with the feelings you have throughout this experience.
This answer will be different for everyone, just like coping with labor and delivery. Depending on who you consult, they will recommend different courses of action. In my opinion, you should follow your body and do what you think is best in that time – as long as it is safe for you and for your baby. A few options are as follows:
- Stay hydrated, well nourished, and pee often
- Sleep (hah, as much as you can)
- Ask for help with daily duties and other children
- Walking or swaying
- Using a birthing tool such as a birthing ball
- Dancing
- Cleaning
- Continue with your life
- Try not to think about it
- Practice natural birth coping techniques
- Shower or take a bath
- Sitting on a toilet
- Side lunges with your contractions
- Orgasm
- Meditate and know that you can do this
Remember that you are strong and can make it through this - this will not last forever. And most importantly give yourself rest. I know that it is tempting to continuously try to be in the moment and work to bring on “true” labor, but you need to save energy for when your baby is ready to come.
Have you experienced prodromal labor? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. And as always, if I missed something please let me know so I can review and add pertinent information.
END NOTE: I am not a medical professional; this article is in no way intended to be taken as medical advice. You should always consult with your medical providers.
Resources:
American Pregnancy Association
https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/prodromal-labor/
Healthline
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/prodromal-labor#braxtonhicks
International Doula Institute
https://internationaldoulainstitute.com/2018/01/survive-prodromal-labor/