Dumb question about prodromal labour...

[finn'smama]

What is it exactly? Is it the same as "false" labour? Are there ctx involved or could it be happening and I wouldn't even notice? I've been feeling crampy all day and achy...is that it?
TIA!
Anika

[Millie Ivy]

Googled, bc I was curious too. Apparently I am having prodromal labor, since Wednesday....

I wanna cry sometimes...! this a.m everything has stopped. I keep telling myself that this will seem like such a SHORT time after I am holding my babe, but it's not helping so much right now....

Prodromal Labor
Often in the past prodromal labor has been given the misnomer "false labor", yet every woman experiencing it has said in frustration "There's nothing false about what I'm feeling!" The misunderstanding has arisen because prodromal labor can feel very much like active labor, yet is not consistently progressive; it does not lead without a break to the birth of the baby. It does, though, serve an important function in the birth process. Prodromal labor does the preliminary work of preparing the uterus, baby and cervix for birth. All of this work has to be done before the baby can be born. Some women's bodies do it all without her being aware of it. However, some women's bodies draw a great deal of attention to the work being done. Too much sometimes.
"This is driving me crazy," one pregnant mother sighed. "I've been having contractions off and on now for three days. Just when I think it's time to call my midwife, they completely stop again!"
Length:

• Prodromal labor contractions may begin hours or even days before active labor.

Contractions:

• The contractions may feel like Braxton Hicks contractions or they may be quite a bit stronger.<LI style="LIST-STYLE-TYPE: none">
• They are irregular in length, frequency and intensity. The key word here is irregular. In general though, they are not longer than a minute and not more frequent than 7 to 10 minutes apart. They shouldn't be so intense that they take your breath away.<LI style="LIST-STYLE-TYPE: none">
• They may or may not be affected by your activity. The wisest course is to vary your activity level, alternating periods of mild activity with rest.

Physical Effects:

• The cervix is moving from a posterior (back) position to an anterior (forward) position.<LI style="LIST-STYLE-TYPE: none">
  
• The cervix is softening.<LI style="LIST-STYLE-TYPE: none">
  
• The cervix is beginning its effacement or thinning. It may thin anywhere from 0% to 50% during this stage.<LI style="LIST-STYLE-TYPE: none">
  
• You may lose your mucous plug from the cervix.<LI style="LIST-STYLE-TYPE: none">
  
• Your cervix may begin to dilate, opening anywhere from 1 to 4 centimeters.

Emotional Effects:

• You may be quite excited when you first feel these contractions, especially if they are stronger than any you've had until now.<LI style="LIST-STYLE-TYPE: none">
  
• As time goes on and the contractions continue without any apparent progress you may feel let down and eventually become quite tired and discouraged.

How To Cope:

• Resist the urge to call everyone immediately and tell them you are in labor. That way you will feel less like a watched pot waiting to boil. You should be able to handle these contractions with some relaxation techniques and concentration. If they are any stronger than that or you just aren't sure, you might want to go ahead and call your doula, she can help you to evaluate exactly what is going on.
• Use these contractions to get to know how your body feels as it begins the hard work of labor. Prepare mentally for the challenges you will shortly be facing.
• Now is not the time to hike ten miles or tromp through the mall for hours in a vain attempt to get labor going. You will just wear yourself out and have that much less energy for active labor.
• Be sure to eat well. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains are especially good now; they will provide you with plenty of energy reserves. Try to stick with foods that are easy on your digestion, you don't want to be dealing with heartburn on top of labor.
• Get plenty of rest. Even if the contractions are keeping you awake at night, nap as much as you can. Again, you want to conserve your energy for the hard work ahead.
• Resist as much as possible the urge to focus too much attention on these contractions. The more you watch, the more time will drag. Try to find some distracting activities to participate in.
• Keep your spirits up; remember that these contractions are doing important work!

[Millie Ivy]

BTW, under "physical effects"?????? Laugh my a$$ off. I am over 6 cm, Have been completely and fully effaced for a week and a half, and babe is at +2. At least i know they are doing something

[MonkeyPrincess]

My body only knows prodromal labor!

Basically, I labor for 5 weeks. Real (not BH) contractions for a couple hours at at time (usually at night), or sometimes not, until transition. Then at some point I contract the same frequency/length/strength/everything and the baby is here within two hours or so.

It was frustrating with my second two, because I didn't know. The last one wasn't so bad, because it was a homebirth and I kind of knew what to expect. This time its actually comforting because I'm totally prepared for what's going to happen.

[finn'smama]

Wow! Thank you for that...totally clears things up a bit. I definitely had a few days of prodromal labour last time, even woke me up a night. This time, there is stuff going on, but it's not as clear (if that makes sense!) and isn't keeping me awake. I definitely feel like something is up...

[Liam's Mum]

I was just lurking to see how things were coming along with you!

Take care and good luck!

[Millie Ivy]

Originally Posted by MonkeyPrincess

My body only knows prodromal labor!

Basically, I labor for 5 weeks. Real (not BH) contractions for a couple hours at at time (usually at night), or sometimes not, until transition. Then at some point I contract the same frequency/length/strength/everything and the baby is here within two hours or so.

It was frustrating with my second two, because I didn't know. The last one wasn't so bad, because it was a homebirth and I kind of knew what to expect. This time its actually comforting because I'm totally prepared for what's going to happen.

this is SO me! Maybe not 5 weeks. I have been at it for 1 week though... And edd is tuesday. With my ds, we broke my water and he was born in 45 minutes. I kinda want to see what happens if I don't break my water this time. Although I may change my mind at 8 cm....:

[finn'smama]

Originally Posted by Bella Babe

this is SO me! Maybe not 5 weeks. I have been at it for 1 week though... And edd is tuesday. With my ds, we broke my water and he was born in 45 minutes. I kinda want to see what happens if I don't break my water this time. Although I may change my mind at 8 cm....:

I had my water broken last time too, and it went fast and furious from there! I've said this whole pg that I wasn't going to have my water broken this time, but I wonder what I'll say at 8cm too!