Episode 05: Coping with Prodromal Labor

The goal of today’s episode is to help you cope with prodromal labor!

What is prodromal labor:

• A common part of the labor process that happens leading up to the start of early labor. Not every pregnant woman will experience prodromal labor.
• You will have contractions, they will be:
• Painful, but like a period cramp
• Spaced out and not in regular intervals

I experienced prodromal labor twice

• During my most recent pregnancy with my son Cooper I read the best article about prodromal labor: Mother Rising Article
• If you are experiencing prodromal labor right now or pre-labor, I highly recommend that you read this article!

The article differentiates between:

Braxton Hicks contractions and prodromal labor:

• The main difference is that BH are not painful, they:
  • Make your stomach tight and uncomfortable, but doesn’t hurt
  • Prodromal labor contractions are painful, but not very
  • BH also go away with rest, sleep, hydration, prodromal contractions typically don’t 

Prodromal labor and early labor:

• Both are painful and timeable contractions, but early labor contracts become longer, stronger, and closer together and the biggest difference is that early labor contractions dilate your cervix to 6 cms!

Prodromal labor and false labor

• False labor contractions are basically more intense BH 
  • Not quite painful, but they stop and make you notice and go hmmm these are a little different than they have been

Prodromal labor and pre-labor

• Biggest difference is that pre-labor contractions fizzle out and stop completely and you are able to sleep!

The Spectrum of labor chart in the article is great! It is a great visual and it lays out all these terms in order of progression of “early stuff” to labor 

Another great take-away from this article is: when you are experiencing the “early stuff”, you should always try to rest rather than try to “ be in labor” 

One of the last things that this article touches on is speeding up the prodromal labor process and positioning of baby

• Resting your body and properly nourishing your body in preparation for the marathon ahead is priority #1
• If its not the middle of the night and you have rested as much as possible, then focus on getting baby in a favorable position, try:
  • Spinning Babies
  • The Miles Circuit

In conclusion, the main take-aways from this article on prodromal labor is:

1. If you are experiencing mildly painful, noticeable and timeable contractions, AND  things don’t fizzle at night or when you lay down: you are experiencing prodromal labor. 
2. This will only last a day or two
3. While this is happening, as frustrating and uncomfortable as it may be: if it is nighttime you need to try to sleep or at least rest as much as you can. Do not try to be in labor. During the day, go about your normal daily routine and try not to focus on labor, instead focus on self care! 
4. If you are rested and taking care of yourself, check out the Miles Circuit to encourage optimal positioning for your baby
5. Prodromal labor is just a variation of normal in childbirth. Its part of the spectrum of “early stuff” that leads up to labor. Repeat this to yourself:  this will not last forever and you will meet your baby soon!

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