Prodromal labor is, for lack of better words, the pits. Frequently referred to as false labor, prodromal labor is labor that starts and stops before full on labor begins. And even though I wouldn’t wish prodromal labor on anyone, it’s not all bad.
Arming yourself with knowledge is key to identifying the differences between prodromal labor, the real deal labor, and all the other things that might be causing your belly aches and pains during pregnancy.
In this article, I’m going to unpack the ins and outs of prodromal labor and give you some tips that just might help your prodromal labor turn into real labor. You don’t want to miss this!
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What is prodromal labor?
Prodromal labor is, like I said above, labor that starts and stops before turning into full blown labor. Basically, you are having labor symptoms but those symptoms aren’t actually sending you into labor. Seems pretty dang unfair if you ask me!
To dive a little deeper, The Cleveland Clinic says,
“Prodromal labor can be painful, can 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 is sometimes confused with Braxton Hicks contractions, but they aren’t the same. Braxton Hicks are typically more uncomfortable than painful, are irregular in pattern, and frequently improve with relief efforts.
Prodromal labor, on the other hand, is really just a pain in the butt…or should I say in the belly.
Related Reading: What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?
Symptoms of prodromal labor
If you aren’t sure what to watch for, prodromal labor can be down right alarming. This is especially true if you experience it early on in pregnancy or prior to full-term.
Often lasting days or even weeks (sorry), it is more common in the third trimester but can happen earlier for some.
Most common symptoms of prodromal labor:
- Intermittent tightening of the abdomen
- Abdominal cramping
- Contractions that typically don’t get closer than 5 minutes apart
For some, the only way to determine whether or not you are experiencing prodromal labor is to be evaluated by your provider – and that is totally okay!
It can be really confusing, especially if it’s your first pregnancy or if you never experienced prodromal labor in previous pregnancies.
Related Reading: Real Labor vs. False Labor: And How to Tell The Difference
Does prodromal labor dilate you?
The short answer is, no, prodromal labor does not dilate you. Consider prodromal labor contractions to be “unproductive” aka they don’t actually cause any cervical change – dilation or effacement.
Research does suggest, however, that prodromal labor contractions help prepare your body for the real deal – so it’s not all in vain!
The contractions might help get your baby into an optimal position for birth, strengthen your muscles for labor and birth, and get your pelvis ready for the main event!
How long does prodromal labor last?
I sure hate to be the one to say it but prodromal labor can last days or even weeks. Before you get totally panicked, keep in mind that it can be different for each person and for each pregnancy so this might not be the case for you!
Here are some ways to cope with prodromal labor:
- Rest as much as possible
- Take a warm shower or bath
- Place a heating pad on your back
- Take a light walk to distract you
- Do something calming or relaxing (read a book, meditate, listen to music, watch a movie)
How to turn prodromal labor into real labor?
There are certainly things you can do to try and turn prodromal labor into the real thing. At the end of the day though, no matter what you try, your body must be ready for labor to begin.
1. The Miles Circuit
The Miles Circuit is a three step sequence that is designed to get your baby into an optimal position for birth.
It utilizes positions of relaxation and movement to encourage baby into a left occiput anterior (OA) position, making spontaneous labor more likely. It is safe to start doing the Miles Circuit at 37 weeks.
Related Reading: The Miles Circuit: My Success with These Stretches to Induce Labor
2. Curb Walking
Curb walking is another way to help get your baby into a more optimal position and encourage spontaneous labor. Curb walking (which is exactly what it sounds like!) forces you to have an uneven gait as your body weight shifts.
The shifting of your body weight and your baby can help open up your pelvis to create more room for baby to come down. It is not recommended to start curb walking until you are at least 39 weeks pregnant.
3. Bounce on a birthing ball
As long as you haven’t been instructed by your provider to avoid bouncing on a birthing ball, it should be safe to use one throughout your pregnancy. My recommendation would be to increase the amount of time you spend on the ball as you near your due date.
Birthing balls can help open the pelvis and allow gravity to bring your baby’s head down, putting pressure on your cervix. While there are no guarantees regarding getting labor going, bouncing on one definitely can’t hurt.
4. Power walking
I realize this might be hard to think about when you are experiencing painful contractions, but even a brisk 10-15 minute walk might help.
Similarly to bouncing on a birthing ball, walking is also safe to do throughout pregnancy as long as you haven’t been advised otherwise. Brisk walking might encourage cervical dilation and effacement and help baby engage in your pelvis.
5. Sex
There are two things that happen during and after sex that might encourage your body to get things going. The first is an increase in uterine activity which can promote contractions. The second actually involves semen.
Semen contains a natural, hormone-like substance called prostaglandins. In its synthetic form, prostaglandins can be administered to induce or augment labor. And they can help ripen the cervix!
If you are looking for other ways and information on natural induction be sure to look into the resources below.
Related Reading: Natural Ways to Induce Labor: I Have The Answers!
Wrapping up
But remember, no matter what or how hard you try, sometimes your body just isn’t ready and that is okay. If this is you, really lean into the coping techniques above and know that your day will come!
Wanting to scratch your pregnancy and birthing education itch a little bit more? Check out the resources below!
- Mommy Labor Nurse Online Birthing Classes
- 10 Totally Weird Things That Happen Before Labor
- Birthing Balls for Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum
