No matter what class you take or what friends you have, I promise at some point in your late pregnancy you will ask yourself “Is THIS labor?”
After 15 years of helping hundreds and hundreds of families through pregnancy and birth, the one thing I hear consistently is women being afraid they will not know if they are in labor or they will not “make it” to the birth center.
Here are some tips to know when to get out your contraction timer!
What Is Prodromal Labor?
Prodromal labor is what we call labor sensations that can last days, days, and days. This is the time when you may have a few hours of practice contractions, and yes, they may be intense!
Prodromal labor helps you move your cervix forward in your vagina and begin the effacement process. It also can move your baby down into the pelvis, so you ARE doing work to prepare for active labor. Your body is stretching and softening, and your baby is getting situated for the real journey.
Prodromal Labor Symptoms vs. True Labor Signs
The symptoms of prodromal labor are different than labor signs. Here’s what to watch for:
- The contractions have no wave or build-up and let down. They are just suddenly there, hold on for some time from a few seconds to several minutes, and then they just release and go away.
- The contractions do not follow a consistent, timeable pattern. Have you heard of 4-1-1? That’s when your contractions are 4 minutes apart, lasting for one minute, and do that for an hour. Prodromal labor contractions are typically all over the place but are not consistently getting longer, stronger and closer together.
- The contractions are felt like “menstrual cramps” or all over the belly, but they do not wrap from your back to the uterus and create a full torso squeeze.
- The contractions will go away with rest, a warm Epsom salt bath, a dose of electrolytes and magnesium, or a Tylenol PM. You’ve heard of midwives or doctors telling a mom to have a glass of wine and go to bed? It’s because they are pretty sure that the client is in prodromal labor.
- The contractions will not build into longer, stronger and closer together pattern
- You will not have a bloody show if it is prodromal.
- You MAY see your mucous plug come out, but no worries. Sometimes they come out weeks before labor. It’s just mucous, like your nose, and like your nose, it will fill back in.
How to Handle Prodromal Labor: Practical Tips
The best way to approach prodromal labor is to ignore it during the day or sleep it off during the night or naptime.
If it progresses into real labor, it will wake you up when it needs you.
I’ve never heard of a mom sleeping through her unmedicated birth.
If you wake up and the sun is shining, then know your body did some work last night to get ready for the real thing.
For now, see these warm-up contractions as a gentle prep for the main event. Here are some ways to handle prodromal labor comfortably:
Rest When Possible
If prodromal labor hits at night, focus on getting as much sleep as you can. Taking advantage of naps will keep you strong when true labor kicks in.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Your body is doing important preparation work, so stay hydrated, eat well, and don’t forget to pee every few hours! I tell my clients to Bless it when it comes and bless it when it goes.
Take a Bath or Shower
A warm bath, especially with Epsom salts, can help ease the discomfort of prodromal labor and give you some much-needed relaxation.
Stay Positive
These “warm-up” contractions are saving you hours when active labor finally starts. Each contraction helps you progress, getting you closer to meeting your little one.
Average Length of Prodromal Labor
The average length of prodromal labor can vary widely—some women experience it for just a day, while others feel it off and on for weeks. This phase, while uncomfortable, is beneficial.
Think of it as the body’s way of softening, stretching, and positioning baby, so you’re one step closer to active labor when it’s time.
Each time prodromal labor comes, it’s doing important work in preparing your body.
When to Call A Birth Center
If you’re unsure whether you’re in active or prodromal labor, don’t hesitate to contact your birth center or midwife.
They can offer guidance and help you determine whether it’s time to come in or if a bit more waiting is needed.
Sometimes, just knowing you’re experiencing prodromal labor helps ease the frustration and empowers you to embrace this natural stage of pregnancy.
Remember: Prodromal labor is not wasted time. It’s setting you up for smoother active labor when the time arrives. So, bless those contractions when they come, and bless them when they go—each one is getting you closer to the big day. Stay calm, stay rested, and believe in your body’s wisdom!
Did you know we do tours every Wednesday at 11 am and Saturday at 9am?
If you want to see our beautiful birth center in person, we would love to show you around and help you decide if a home birth or birth center birth is right for you!
