“Why do they keep slowing down?” I asked my husband tearfully. “I feel like I’m going to be in labor forever.” It was 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2nd. I had been having contractions since around 10:30 PM the night before, about 5 to 7 minutes apart. I had been certain I would meet my baby that day, and in my excitement, I barely slept that first night and spent the whole day practicing all the labor positions we’d learned in our Bradley Method class. So as evening approached, and more than an hour had passed since the last contraction, I was crushed.
We called our doula, who was supporting us remotely because we moved about six weeks before I gave birth. “Labor is mostly resting,” she told us. “Everything you’ve been doing to encourage those contractions is great, but your body also needs to recharge. Try to sleep as much as you can tonight.” Later she texted my husband: “I think Jasmine might be having prodromal labor.”
Looking back, I think she was right, and it turns out that my gung-ho response to those first late-night contractions likely contributed to a much more difficult and exhausting 67 hours before I finally met my daughter at 6:05 p.m. on July 4th.
What is prodromal labor?
Studies about prodromal labor appear to be very limited, and statistics about how many women experience it are difficult to find. Even the definition can vary depending on the source. Much of my research for this article consisted of listening to other women’s birth stories and observational data shared by midwives. As with many things related to birth, the only thing that seems certain is that every woman’s experience is different.
For all the uncertainty, there is consensus about a few things: Prodromal labor is defined as contractions that occur as a precursor to active labor (active labor being the contractions that lead to the delivery of a baby). Prodromal labor contractions are strong and can be painful like regular labor contractions, and they can come as close as five minutes apart. Like regular labor, prodromal labor often begins at night. However, instead of continuing to intensify and get closer together, prodromal labor contractions will eventually go away.
Instead of continuing to intensify and get closer together, prodromal labor contractions will eventually go away.
So, what’s still up for debate?
The American Pregnancy Association differentiates prodromal labor from “true” labor by noting that these contractions do not contribute to the dilation and effacement of the cervix, the standard benchmarks for the progression of labor. However, other sources contend that prodromal labor can affect the cervix, causing it to soften, shorten, move into a more anterior position, or even dilate.
Prodromal labor is said to be more common for women who have given birth before, but since it also happens to plenty of first-time moms, this isn’t a great predictor for whether a given woman will experience it.
How long prodromal labor lasts can also vary widely. Some women report having contractions that begin several weeks before the birth of their baby, usually beginning at night and going away in the morning. It seems more common, however, that prodromal labor will start within a few days before active labor and continue sporadically right up until active labor kicks in.
What is the purpose of prodromal labor?
Prodromal labor is sometimes called “false labor,” but this doesn’t mean it’s useless. It’s thought that the contractions prepare for birth by helping to get the baby into a more ideal position, and essentially “warming up” all the muscles and ligaments that the mother’s body will need to deliver her baby.
Prodromal labor is sometimes called “false labor,” but this doesn’t mean it’s useless. It’s thought that the contractions prepare for birth by helping to get the baby into a more ideal position, and essentially “warming up” all the muscles and ligaments that the mother’s body will need to deliver her baby.
How is prodromal labor different from Braxton Hicks contractions?
You may have also heard Braxton Hicks contractions referred to as “false labor,” especially when they intensify towards the end of pregnancy. However, prodromal labor can be distinguished from Braxton Hicks because prodromal labor will continue even if you change positions or eat or drink something. And whereas Braxton Hicks can start as early as the second trimester, prodromal labor typically starts close to the end of pregnancy.
Moreover, prodromal labor contractions behave much more like the real thing. They tend to be more intense than Braxton-Hicks, which are usually described as a tightening sensation that can be uncomfortable, but not painful. This is why many women, like myself, get a rush of excitement as they start having strong, regular, persistent contractions–only to be disappointed when they stall out.
How can you distinguish prodromal labor from “real” labor?
This is the million dollar question! Unfortunately, while it’s happening, prodromal labor is very difficult to tell apart from early labor. Looking back at my own experience, I can say that once I began active labor, there was a definite uptick in the intensity and frequency of contractions. But while I was in the thick of it, especially as a first-time mom without prior experience of those sensations, I definitely thought I was in labor during those prodromal labor contractions.
This shows that ultimately, prodromal labor is easiest to identify in hindsight, because the contractions stop rather than progressing towards the birth of a baby.
This shows that ultimately, prodromal labor is easiest to identify in hindsight, because the contractions stop rather than progressing towards the birth of a baby.
What to do if you suspect you may be having prodromal labor?
Preventing mental and emotional exhaustion is the biggest challenge when those contractions subside (and come back, and go away again…). The best strategy for dealing with early labor (whether it proves to be prodromal or the real thing), as recommended by the International Doula Institute, is “to try and ignore your labor until it is impossible to continue ignoring.” If it’s nighttime, try to sleep. If it’s during the day, go about your normal activities, or try watching a movie or tackling a small project at home. This is also a perfect opportunity to finish packing your hospital bag!
he best strategy for dealing with early labor (whether it proves to be prodromal or the real thing), as recommended by the International Doula Institute, is “to try and ignore your labor until it is impossible to continue ignoring.”
There is anecdotal evidence that women who experience prodromal labor tend to move through active labor more quickly. For this reason, it’s a good idea to let your care team know that you’ve started having contractions. They may or may not know whether you’re having prodromal labor (only my doula mentioned it, not anyone at the hospital where I gave birth), but it could be good information to provide, nonetheless.
The bottom line: rest, rest, rest!
As frustrating as it can be to think this might not be go-time, take heart that prodromal labor is your body’s way of making its final preparations to bring your baby into the world. I found out the hard way that you can’t make your baby come before he or she is ready. To help support your body’s efforts and maintain the energy to make the final push (pun intended!) when it’s time, be sure to eat, hydrate, and rest as much as possible.
