Strategies for Managing Prodromal Labor: How to Identify Early Contractions and Achieve Your Out-of-Hospital Birth

At Magnolia Birth House, we want to help you have the out-of-hospital birth experience you desire. However, we realize that, for many birthing people, it can be difficult to know when you’re truly in labor and how to cope with those early contractions. Have you heard the phrase prodromal labor? Learning and understanding this concept is an important part of preparing for unmedicated birth and achieving your natural birth.

Are you wondering how to tell what phase of labor you’re in or if it’s labor at all? Are you concerned about how you’ll get through the unknown early stages of labor and what to do when it begins? In this blog, we’ll answer these and other questions about prodromal labor. We’ll also explore several strategies for managing the contractions in this early phase of labor, allowing you to save energy you’ll need for active labor and your optimal birth experience.

What is Prodromal Labor?

The word “prodromal” comes from a Greek word meaning “precursor.” It’s the perfect term for this type of labor since it comes hours, days, or even weeks before active labor. Prodromal labor is a common series of contractions that may be best described as the in-between of Braxton Hicks and active labor. The contractions in this stage are typically further apart than active labor (greater than five minutes) but are more consistent than Braxton Hicks, which are usually erratic.

Prodromal labor is also not “false” labor, although sometimes it is referred to as such. While the contractions in this phase do not progress labor, they do prepare the body for it. What that means is that, while you should not expect dilation or an increase in dilation or effacement in this phase, your baby may settle into position, muscles and ligaments might loosen for birth, and your body will naturally prepare for the birth journey ahead

What are Possible Symptoms Associated with Prodromal Labor?

Some birthing people report a surge of energy. Other findings may include lightening, lower abdominal or pelvic pressure, excessive vaginal discharge, the expulsion of the mucus plug, and diarrhea. This is not an exhaustive list. Most times the symptoms vary in both degree and in number.

How Will I Know Which Phase of Labor I’m In?

The best way to know which phase of labor you are in is to monitor your contractions and any additional symptoms. If your contractions are more than five minutes apart, are short in duration (less than one minute), you are not experiencing a bloody show and your membranes have not ruptured, you are likely in prodromal labor. However, each person's experience is different and unique. It’s always wise to contact your Miami midwife with any questions you may have, especially at times of uncertainty.

What are Helpful Strategies to Manage Prodromal Labor?

According to Sutter Health, “Prodromal labor can tire you out and use up the energy you'll 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 more active labor.”

Since active labor could be as little as hours, or in some cases, as far as weeks away during the prodromal labor phase, it’s best to take things light and easy. Listening to your body is always the priority. Since this phase can be exhausting, implementing comfort measures such as low-impact movements, rest, and hydration are the best ways to save much of the energy you’ll need for active labor and delivery.

While there are no official restrictions on what you can do, there are strong recommendations on what may and may not be helpful.

What Tasks May Be Helpful During Prodromal Labor?

• Packing your delivery bag

• Taking a nap

• Going on a short walk

• Playing cards or a board game

• Writing a journal entry

• Preparing a light snack

• Spending time with your support person(s)

• Drinking a cup of warm tea

• Having patience

• Receiving gentle touch

• Using a warm heating pad on your back or above your pubic bone

• Taking a warm shower or bath
  

What Tasks Should I Avoid During Prodromal Labor?

• Strenuous exercise

• Overexertion

• Physical or emotional stress

• Heavy lifting

• Eating a heavy meal

• Shame and guilt

• Too much of anything

How Can I Increase My Chances of a Birth Center Delivery?

One of the most common reasons for transfer from the birth center to the hospital is maternal exhaustion. Birthing people often wear themselves out in very early labor if they are not mindful of calming techniques, do too much too soon, or are overtaken by emotional stress. Any of this can lead to requesting an epidural or other medical interventions during active labor or transition to induce rest. When you are experiencing prodromal labor, the goal is to conserve energy.

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences prodromal labor, and sometimes the symptoms are so mild that only in hindsight can you recognize this very early part of labor. No two births are exactly the same. Since we are all unique in our bodies, our capacities, and our experiences, knowing what you are experiencing can also be a preventative measure. We always encourage you to reach out to your birth team with any questions or concerns.

Here at Magnolia, we want both your body and your baby to be naturally ready for birth.  We aim to give our clients evidence-based tools and resources to allow you the best chance of having the birth experience you desire, with the least amount of technological interventions.

Are you pregnant and wanting to learn more about having an out-of-hospital birth in Miami? Consider personalized midwifery care at Magnolia! Set up a free consultation by filling out our form.