It’s also called false labor or prelabor."
The contractions can feel like real labor but don’t get stronger or make the cervix dilate.
Prodromal labor is different fromBraxton Hicks contractions.
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Braxton Hicks contractionscan happen throughout pregnancy, do not follow a pattern, and are usually not painful.
During prodromal labor, your uterus may contract in a pattern.
However, unlike real labor, prodromal labor contractions do not change thecervix.
This is the main clinical distinction between prodromal labor andactive labor.
The cervix must dilate and efface to be considered true labor.
Prodromal labor can come and go over a period of days or even weeks.
It can be frustrating to deal with, but it is generally not a health concern.
Some signs may indicate that you are experiencing prodromal labor.
Signs of prodromal labor include:
Your cervix does notdilate or effaceduring prodromal labor.
Apelvic examwould be the only way to determine whether your cervix is changing.
Other signs of true early labor include passing loose stools and the loss of your mucus plug.
Prodromal labor and Braxton Hicks are similar in that neither lead to labor progression.
But there are some differences.
It is believed that prodromal labor is simply the bodys way of preparing for labor.
Call your healthcare provider for advice.
Treatment
Prodromal labor does not generally require intervention unless other risk factors are present.
The standard course of treatment is to wait and allow labor to start on its own.
Most of the time the occurrence is completely random.
If you had prodromal labor with one pregnancy, it does not mean you will have it with another.
Coping
Prodromal labor can be frustrating to experience.
Just when you think youve arrived at the main event, your labor stops.
This may happen over and over.
Some people feel like theyll be in an endless loop of prodromal labor forever.
The good news is this never happens.
In the meantime, it can be good to consider coping techniques.
Things that help with early labor also work well for coping with prodromal labor.
attempt to remind yourself that your body is doing important preparatory work for birthing your baby.
Even though prodromal labor is often referred to as false labor, that name is a misnomer.
Prodromal labor contractions help your baby prepare for labor and give you the opportunity to practice coping with labor.
All of those emotions are normal and understandable.
By the end of pregnancy, youre ready to get the show on the road and meet your baby.
Labor that starts and stops can be an emotional rollercoaster.
make a run at remember that prodromal labor is valuable preparation for eventual labor.
Prodromal labor, while tiring, often means that labor is near.
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doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2016.03.031
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to tell when labor begins.
Cleveland Clinic.Natural birth: coping skills for labor without medication.
