What is prodromal labor & what causes it?

[jazzybaby9]

From what I've seen on other posts, it's your body revving up for the real thing? I'm sure I've had it numerous times so far...but how are you supposed to tell the difference between the two (besides prodromal tapering off eventually).

I'm bored and

[mighty-mama]

With ds1, I had some contractions but they were nothing at all compared to "prodromal" contractions..

With ds2, they started at 35 wks. So I had it for 11 days.. I can only describe them as "active" labor contractions without being in active labor.

The first 7 days were tough, but not half as bad as the last 4.. For the entire 11 days my contractions were no more than 10min apart. I'd have a few hrs were they would be 5 min apart and then go to 8 and then 9 and etc.

The last four days, they were 5-8min apart.. They stopped me in my tracks, I had to breathe thru them, and was unable to speak. I remember having to drive to my ob office for an appt, and was dying, being in the car.

I never knew what prodromal labor was until I saw someone here mention it. I googled it and I fit the description. Although most info said it only lasted 3 days. But again the last 4 days were the worst.. I went into labor on a Mon. and the Sat, beforehand, I had to have my doula come over to show me some "positioning" moves.. The 3 nights before birth, I got about 5 hrs of sleep all together. I couldn't sleep thru the contractions, and they were so painful I had to get out of bed and squat thru them..

Like you said, everything says "preparing the body".. But, I never had them w/ my first labor, so go figure.. Why didn't I have them then..

Although, once labor hit, it went fast for me..

[beemama]

I had it for about 3weeks before I went into labor- which all in all only lasted about 3 1/2 hours. I really feel like all of that early stuff got me geared up & ready to go!

[AccidentaLactivist]

I found this description:

Prodromal Labor
In a prodromal labor, the early phase of labor (cervix dilates from closed to approximately three-to-four centimeters) is prolonged with contractions that do not increase in intensity.

Prodromal labor can tire you out and use up the energy you will need for active labor and delivery. Try alternating activities such as walking or showering with periods of rest to conserve your energy. While resting you can also drink fluids, watch a movie, or listen to music until you progress to a more active labor. Your physician or midwife may suggest prescribing medication to help you sleep, which can cause the contractions to become stronger and your labor to progress.

The hard part of PDL is that the cntrx are often strong, but not efficient, and they don't become more regular or intense. The only good thing about it is that generally, active labor & delivery are faster as a result. When my labor finally kicked in, I went from 4cm to delivered in an hour and a half.:

The challenge really is fatigue--
i had two weeks' worth, and I don't think I've ever been so depleted in my life. If this is what you're experiencing, get as much rest as you can; it will pay off postpartum.

Marie

[moonfirefaery]

I've had BH ctx throughout the pg and also some crampy ones that felt like prelabor, usually mild. Yesterday I had strong ctx off and on throughout the day, including a two-hour period last night where I had VERY strong ones that took all my attention. They were coming about every 10 minutes, and I had to change positions, stop talking, breathe through them, and wait them out. I just KNEW that was it, but, nope, they suddenly stopped. :/ I've had prodromal labor off and on since 35 weeks, but last night was the worst of it so far. I'm 38w3d and wondering how much more of a fuss this lil one is going to make before coming out!

[danaalex]

i have NO CLUE what it is, or why it happens, but man does it suck. that's about all i know. i never want to go through that again. i can't imagine a week or more of it. i had 4 full days and that was more than enough for me. i could not sleep for 4 days. i couldn't take a nap or sleep at night. i couldn't do anything with my kids, i couldn't pick them up, i couldn't walk. NOTHING.