Was she just practicing?

Prodromal Labor....

Prodromal labor isn't all in vain. These annoying contractions condition the uterus, and prepare the cervix for dilation and effacement. In fact, sometimes the cervix may even dilate and efface as a result. It’s all about your body preparing for the big day. Let’s talk about the differences between Prodromal labor and the real thing.

1. Prodromal ‘labor’ may begin hours or days (and do I dare say weeks?) before active labor.
2. They may feel like Braxton Hicks contractions but sometimes they can be much stronger.
3. Unlike true labor, where contractions usually become longer, stronger and closer together, prodromal contractions are irregular in duration, length and intensity.
4. They may have a pattern and show up about the same time every day (or night).
5. They will stop after 2-3 hours..
6. They may or may not be affected by your activity. Sometimes a warm bath will make them go away, and on other days, it may run it’s usual course - leaving you to wonder if *this time* it’s truly the real thing!
7. Your cervix may begin to dilate, and efface and you may lose your mucous plug. Nothing false about that!

Many women head to the hospital only to find out after a few hours that it was 'false labor'. In other words, the contractions stopped. You may have dilated, or effaced but they stopped. Being sent home can be emotionally confusing. You are left to wonder how you will know when it *is* the real thing. You might be embarrassed to head back up to the hospital the next time, and then you wonder about giving birth on the side of the road! (For those of you birthing at home, the scenario might be different of course...but for sake of time and length, I'll let you fill in your own scenario blanks).

Most women figure it out. It may take more than one trip to the hospital (or call to the midwife), but don't worry.. eventually you'll end up in true labor that will produce a real baby. Most care providers are used to this type of labor, and would rather you be seen if you feel the need, then miss your birth all together. Typically in true labor, the contractions will become stronger, longer (in length), and closer together. With Prodromal labor, contractions might be 30 seconds one time, and a minute long the next, followed by another one that is 45 seconds. You might have one at 7:00, another at 7:10, one at 7:12, and then another at 7:20. The pattern is usually inconsistant.

Another thing to consider is can you make them go away? Can you stop the contraction by changing your postion? Will they slow down with a warm bath or shower? What about if you eat or drink? Now with Braxton Hix Contractions, these things will usually make them go away. The problem with Prodromal labor is that sometimes these things can make them go away, but sometimes it does nothing. However, you should always have an idea in an hour or two. Most women do not have labors that fast, and if they do, they almost always figure it out in time!

So relax - and let your body do its work. You may find your labor easier, and perhaps a bit faster if you were blessed with prodromal labor. Take advantage of these contractions and practice your relaxation, breathing or whatever you plan to use to cope with labor.