Are you a mother who is expecting a baby? As the day approaches, you suddenly feel a stomach ache, which disappears after a while, and it feels like you are about to have a baby... But there is still time until the day the doctor gives you. "Is this really labor? Or is it something else?" You must be wondering, right? Don't worry, you are not alone. Many mothers have had this experience. Today we are talking about this 'false labor' or what is medically called `(Prodromal Labor)`.
Simply put, what is Prodromal Labor?
Prodromal labor is a type of contraction that occurs during pregnancy but does not lead to actual labor. It is more like a 'practice'. The word 'prodromal' comes from the Greek language and means 'preliminary'. It means that your body is preparing for the big day, the birth of your baby.
This pain can sometimes feel like a real contraction. It may come every 5 minutes, or it may last for a minute. But like a real contraction, it does not get stronger over time, become more painful, or have more contractions . It does not cause cervical dilation or effacement. Although it can be a little scary, knowing about it can help ease your fears.
What is the difference between prodromal labor and Braxton Hicks?
You've probably heard of ``Braxton Hicks contractions''. They're also a type of 'training' contraction. Both can start a few weeks before your baby is due. But there are some slight differences. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Characteristic | Braxton Hicks contractions | Prodromal Labor Contractions |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | There is usually no pain. It feels like the stomach is tightening. | It can be painful, like menstrual cramps. |
| Pattern | There is no pattern. Irregular. | Comes in a specific pattern. (e.g. every 5-10 minutes) |
| Change over time | It neither gets stronger nor closer with time. | It doesn't get stronger or get closer. It stays the same for hours and then disappears. |
| Impact of activities | It often disappears when you change positions, walk, or drink water. | Usually, changing positions doesn't make it go away. |
Why does this prodromal labor occur?
Doctors don't yet know the exact cause of this, but there are several factors that they think may contribute to it:
- Baby's position: This type of pain can occur when the baby is turning into the right position for birth. This can especially happen if the baby is in the breech position.
- Stress: Things like anxiety and stress during pregnancy can affect it.
- Physical factors: The mother's pelvis is abnormally shaped or there is an abnormality in the uterus (uterine anomaly).
- Previous pregnancies: If there have been three or more previous pregnancies.
The important thing is that prodromal labor is completely normal. It won't harm you or your baby. But if you're unsure whether you're in labor or not, be sure to talk to your doctor.
So how do you recognize active labor?
This is the biggest question that many mothers have. "Is this a lie? Or is it really time to go to the hospital?" they wonder. Let's clearly see the difference between the two.
| Characteristic | Prodromal Labor | Active Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Pain intensity | The pain doesn't increase over time. It stays at the same level. | The pain gradually becomes stronger and more severe . |
| Number of times coming | It doesn't come close all the time. Even if it comes once every 5 minutes, it doesn't come any closer than that. | Gradually getting closer . (10 minutes, 8, 5, 3... etc.) |
| Duration of pain | Usually lasts the same amount of time (e.g. 30-60 seconds). | The time gradually increases . |
| Where the pain is felt | It is usually only felt in the front of the stomach. | It often starts from the back and moves to the stomach . |
| Impact of activities | Maybe it goes away when you rest or walk. | No matter what you do, the pain won't stop . |
| Can you talk/walk? | You can talk and walk even when you are in pain. | It's so hard that you can't even talk or move when the pain comes. |
What can be done to relieve this pain?
We understand that this is a stressful and anxious time. It's frustrating to have these false pains when you're expecting your baby. But you can try these things to find relief:
- Drink plenty of water. This type of pain can increase when the body is dehydrated.
- Eat nutritious foods. Don't eat a lot at once, eat small, light meals.
- Distract yourself. Watch a good movie, listen to music, read a book.
- Take a bath in lukewarm water. Taking a bath in warm water relaxes the muscles and provides relief.
- Alternate between resting and walking. Don't stay in bed all the time, and don't walk all the time.
- Do light exercise. Things like yoga, deep breathing exercises, and meditation are great for the mind as well as the body.
When should I call the doctor?
If you have any doubts at any time, if you can't decide "is this true or false", talk to your doctor without hesitation. That's the safest thing to do. Even if it's a false alarm, talking to your doctor about it will give you a lot of peace of mind.
Generally, these are the signs that it's time to go to the hospital :
- If the contractions gradually become stronger and come closer together .
- If you have back pain and it persists.
- If you can't talk or walk when the pain comes.
- If your water breaks (if a watery liquid leaks from your vagina suddenly or gradually).
- If you have a mucus plug with blood or a bloody show from the vagina.
Very important: If you ever have dark red or heavy bleeding, it could be a sign of something more serious than `Prodromal Labor`. In such a case, inform your doctor immediately and go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
Finally, `Prodromal Labor` is a good rehearsal for your body to prepare for the real labor. Although it may be a little uncomfortable, it means that everything is going well. Be patient, rest well. Your little one will be in your arms in a few days.
Take-Home Message
- `Prodromal Labor` is the 'training' pain that comes before the baby is born. This is normal and does not harm the baby.
- True labor gets stronger, closer, and more painful over time. `Prodromal Labor` does not.
- You can get relief from this pain by drinking plenty of water, resting, and keeping your mind relaxed.
- If you have any concerns about the pain you're experiencing, talk to your doctor right away. That's the safest bet.
- If your water breaks, there is bleeding, or the pain becomes unbearable, go to the hospital immediately.
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