Prodromal Labor - A False Labor

Introduction:

Contractions which indicate the tightening and releasing of uterine muscles are common during pregnancy. The contractions help widen the cervix, making the baby’s journey through the birth canal easier. Unlike actual labor contractions, prodromal labor contractions do not get closer or stronger together and do not cause any cervical changes. The word “prodromal” originates from a Greek word that means precursor. However, doctors do not use the terms prodromal labor and false labor often as they find them misleading or imprecise.

What Is Prodromal Labor?

Prodromal or false labor is a part of labor that occurs before active labor, where noticeable patterns of contractions begin and end but do not progress into labor. First-time parents experience prodromal labor of less severity and duration than people who have already given birth. Prodromal labor can happen days, weeks, or even a month before active labor. Prodromal labor contractions often come and go at the same time every day or at regular intervals. Even though prodromal labor contractions do not progress beyond a certain point or dilate the cervix, they can be considered the closest thing to active labor one can experience.

What Are the Causes of Prodromal Labor?

There is no definitive cause for prodromal labor. However, the possible causes of prodromal labor are as follows:

• Irregular pelvis.

• Anxiety or stress.

• Uterine anomalies.

• Changes in the position of the baby, especially breech baby (baby’s feet or buttocks are positioned to come out of the birth canal first).

• History of having three or more previous pregnancies.

What Are the Symptoms of Prodromal Labor?

The symptoms of prodromal labor are almost similar to the actual labor and are as follows:

• Hardening or tightening in the front portion of the abdomen.

• Contractions of short duration (one minute) that come and go.

• Cramping or pain that does not get severe with time.

• Contractions that occur five minutes apart and do not get closer than that.

• No cervical dilation or no change in the cervix since the previous week.

• Contractions that become better on drinking water, changing positions, or taking rest.

How to Differentiate Prodromal Labor From Active Labor?

Even though prodromal labor is a lot like active labor, there are differences in the contractions experienced. The differences are as follows:

• Frequency of Contractions: The contractions can be monitored using a clock or watch. The time at which each contraction begins should be noted down. Prodromal labor contractions are irregular, whereas active labor contractions follow a regular pattern and grow closer together.

• Duration of Contractions: The duration of each contraction should be noted by jotting down the time it begins and stops. The duration of prodromal contractions varies, whereas active labor contractions last for more than 30 seconds at the onset and can extend progressively up to 60 seconds.

• Changes in Contractions: Active labor contractions continue regardless of the mother’s activity and may become stronger with activities like walking. On the other hand, prodromal labor contractions stop regardless of the mother’s activity.

• Nature of Contractions: In active labor contractions, pain starts high in the abdomen and radiates throughout the entire abdomen and lower back or vice versa. In prodromal labor, contractions are concentrated in the groin and lower abdomen.

Is Prodromal Labor an Indicator of Active Labor?

Even though prodromal labor occurs during the last month of pregnancy, it does not mean that active labor is going to occur the next day or even week. Prodromal labor may lead to active labor, but it does not cause active labor to start. As birth and labor are unpredictable, prodromal labor can be considered only as the body’s way of preparing for active labor and delivery.

How to Diagnose Prodromal Labor?

Generally, prodromal labor does not require a diagnosis as it is not considered a complication or medical emergency. Women who have experienced prodromal labor before can differentiate prodromal labor contractions from real labor. However, women who have not experienced prodromal labor in previous pregnancies or are pregnant for the first time may need the advice of a doctor to help them differentiate it from active labor contractions. The doctor collects information about the timing, intensity, and duration of the contractions. The doctor may suspect prodromal labor in a patient with on and off contractions. The doctor will perform a pelvic examination to find out if the cervix has begun to dilate. No signs of dilation or extremely small change since the last examination would indicate prodromal labor. Clinically contractions that do not cause any cervical change are diagnosed as prodromal labor. Additionally, a cervical length of 1.5 centimeters or less is considered the most accurate clinical sign of true labor.

How to Cope With Prodromal Labor?

It is important to take rest during prodromal labor contractions as it is going to help in conserving energy for the actual labor and delivery. The measures that can help in coping with prodromal labor are as follows:

• Taking a shower in warm water.

• Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.

• Indulging in activities like watching a movie, reading a book, listening to music, or drinking a safe herbal tea.

• Trying some light activity like packing the hospital bag.

• Eating well. Munching on some snacks can also help.

• Taking short leisurely walks.

• If prodromal labor occurs at night, trying to get some sleep may help.

• Trying meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.

Conclusion:

Prodromal labor can be frustrating for the mother who is about to deliver the baby in a few days. Even though prodromal labor can cause painful contractions, it helps in preparing for active labor that leads to the birth of the baby. Any type of contractions which are doubtful should be reported to the doctor immediately to find out if they are part of active labor or prodromal labor. Delay in informing the doctor about the contractions might lead to accidental home birth. Staying positive by knowing about the ways to cope with prodromal labor and looking at the brighter side helps women prepare for stress-free delivery.