Am I Going Into Labor? Understanding Prodromal Labor

Coming to the end of your pregnancy can be such a challenging task. Not only are you done being pregnant, but the inevitable question rears its head: 

When will I go into labor? 

Most of your pregnancy goes by in the blink of an eye. But the last month of pregnancy is a different story. 

What feels like 10 years later…. 

You’re still pregnant and settled into the fact that you may just be pregnant forever. 

Ah, don’t lose heart, I promise, your baby will come. 

However, they will come on their timetable. A good mindset to adopt is open to all the possibilities of birth and labor. One that is ready and flexible to adapt to what may come. 

You might be spending a lot of time researching early labor signs, and wondering if you are going into labor. Maybe you are feeling sudden cramping in your last month of pregnancy that seems to have no pattern. But, when it happens it feels more intense and severe than Braxton Hicks contractions. 

If this sounds like you, you may be experiencing prodromal labor. It can be quite a tease and may have you heading to the hospital or birth center, only to be sent home. Prodromal labor signals that labor may be starting soon but doesn’t seem to push your body into active labor. Leaving you in limbo, wondering if you will ever meet your baby. 

Unfortunately, prodromal labor can last anywhere from days to weeks depending on the person. This can be extremely frustrating when pregnancy feels never-ending. 

What Causes Prodromal Labor?

There are a number of theories regarding what causes prodromal labor. However, the medical community is not exactly sure of the cause. What we do know is that prodromal labor helps your uterine muscles and ligaments prepare for active labor. Several factors seem to increase the likelihood of prodromal labor, including:

• The position of your baby: The theory is that your body is moving your baby into position in preparation for birth. This is especially true if your baby is breech (i.e., feet down rather than head down.) 
• Physical factors: An uneven pelvis or uterine abnormality may lead to these contractions.
• Feeling anxious or afraid: Apprehensive emotions over the pregnancy or other life issues. 
• History of previous pregnancies: This may be related to the way the uterus changes or relaxes after multiple pregnancies.

False Labor vs Prodromal Labor

While researching your symptoms, you may have stumbled across the term “false labor.” This term shows up everywhere from medical blogs to peer-reviewed medical journals. Healthcare professionals use the terms false labor and prodromal labor interchangeably.

Personally, as a doula I don’t love the term “false labor” to describe what you are going through. Saying your body is in “false labor” implies that your body is not doing work to advance labor. 

But, it is. 

In fact, your body is preparing to give birth. Each contraction that you feel is real and serves a purpose. It is all necessary work to bring you closer to meeting your baby. The only difference is that these contractions haven’t yet progressed you far enough to develop an active labor pattern. 

The word “prodromal” comes from the Latin word prodromus, which means “a running forward” or “a forerunner.” Neither of these definitions implies that your body is lying to you or giving you “false” hope. That’s why using the phrase “false labor” is unhelpful. 

Instead, try to view prodromal labor as a precursor to active labor. It means you will be meeting your baby soon, and that your body is doing work to make sure that happens. Honor each contraction, even if they are irregular. Each contraction brings you closer to birth and setting eyes on your precious baby. Let that mindset be your guide.

Symptoms

Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish between prodromal labor and active labor. 

If you’re unsure, use this prodromal labor symptom list to help. 

Prodromal Labor Symptoms: 

• Contractions that do not follow a consistent pattern
• Contraction intensity has escalated to more than tightening
• Minimal cervical dilation or thinning (sometimes)
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen or back

The key difference between prodromal labor and active labor is contraction regularity. Prodromal contractions are irregular. They may last less than five minutes and stop for long periods of time. Prodromal labor starts and stops. Contractions will often come and go at the same time each day or at regular intervals. 

Active labor contractions have a consistent pattern, growing more intense and close together. Women entering the active labor stage will have more painful and frequent contractions. 

If you have concerns about the intensity of contractions, you can always contact your healthcare provider or doula to put your mind at ease. It can be difficult to know the difference, especially if you haven’t given birth before. And even if you have given birth, each pregnancy can be different. Don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Is Prodromal Labor Dangerous? 

It will be comforting to know prodromal labor is not dangerous. In fact, prodromal labor is completely normal. It is your body’s way of preparing for labor. Look at prodromal labor contractions as a warm-up. Just as runners warm up for a race, your body is warming up for labor. 

Think about this– a marathon is a long race spanning many hours and many miles. Runners spend months preparing and training for one race. Even though you are not running a race, your body has been training for months to allow your baby to enter the world. It is giving your baby everything it needs to be successful. Prodromal labor is simply a step in the training process and is nothing to be anxious about. Honor your body’s decision to prepare for an intense physical feat. 

Your body knows how to grow a baby on its own. It also knows how to prepare for a baby to enter the world! 

Coping

It can be frustrating to think you might be in labor over and over again only to have the contractions stop for a long period of time. We hear you! Try to surrender control and honor the work your body is doing. You will definitely eventually meet your baby. Your body will accomplish the amazing feat of giving birth.

In the meantime, here are a few ways to prepare for active labor: 

• Hydrate frequently
• Take a nap and rest 
• Practice positive self-talk and affirmations
• Take a warm bath
• Practice breathing exercises
• Distract yourself with regular life activities 
• Eat regular meals and snacks

Many pregnant women want to use this time to “make labor start” with a lot of exercises or physical exertion. Remember, your body will need to persevere and endure much physical exertion to birth your baby. Honor your body and mind with rest during this time. You will not want to be overtired when labor comes.

Be gentle with yourself. This is your excuse to put your feet up. Consider this permission to do so!

Practice and Prepare 

As you lay down and rest, use this time to practice for labor. 

Here are three things to keep in mind when it comes to labor:

• Breathing 
• Mindset 
• Changing positions

Breathing is an important strategy for coping through labor. Focusing on your breath increases your oxygen flow, promotes relaxation and reduces tension in your body. This is a topic we cover in depth in our childbirth classes. 

Your mindset is everything during labor. Frame your mindset to honor what your body is doing, little by little, step by step. Each contraction moves you closer to meeting your baby, even prodromal labor contractions. Practice this mindset now, so that during labor it is easier to view it this way. 

Take this time to practice different labor positions while lying down on the couch, your bed, a chair or on the floor. Moving into different positions regularly during labor helps your baby make progress through the birth canal. Practicing beforehand will make it easier to remember during active labor. Childbirth classes are also a great way to learn and practice different labor positions. 

In The Meantime

As you wait for active labor to begin, don’t lose heart. You will meet your baby soon. Listen to your body. Honor your body. You are doing great work. You’ve got this! 

And remember, your doula is always here to support you. 

Also check out: Early Labor vs. Active Labor – When To Go To The Hospital?