How to Turn Prodromal Labor Into Real Labor

Prodromal labor can feel like the ultimate tease when you’re close to meeting your little one. But those contractions just won’t commit to the real deal—argh. 

Your body seems stuck in a “will they, won’t they” drama, which is exhausting. If you’re here wondering how to turn prodromal labor into real labor, I get you. 

Many moms-to-be have been in your shoes, pacing the house in panic, Googling at 2 a.m., and wondering when this baby is finally coming.

But the sigh of relief is you’re not stuck in this limbo for long, and there are ways to nudge things along. I have written this post to help you understand what’s going on with your body and give you no-nonsense tips to move things forward. 

Keep reading if you want to change this false alarm into the real announcement of the baby’s arrival.

What is Prodromal Labor? 

Prodromal labor is called “false labor,” which is almost like your body’s rehearsal for the delivery day. It means your uterus is practicing its contractions and getting ready for the real deal. But it happens without the consistent intensity or progression of active labor. 

This labor can start days or weeks before active labor kicks in, and it’s a sign that your body is gearing up. However, the tricky part is that it can feel real—you face contractions, cramping, and all—but it doesn’t result in cervical dilation or the birth of your baby. 

Symptoms the Labor You’re Facing is Prodromal 

But the real question is, how do you know the labor you’re in is prodromal and not go time? Here is how to know if it’s prodromal labor:

• Irregular contractions are one of the biggest prodromal labor signs and symptoms. These contractions don’t follow a consistent pattern. They might come every 10 minutes, then 20, then 5—and keep you guessing.
• Prodromal labor’s contractions fizzle out. Though they start strong, they lose steam over time, especially if you change positions or rest.
• You don’t have a cervical change, i.e., dilation or effacement (thinning), in prodromal labor, even if the contractions feel intense.
• You may feel a dull ache or pressure in your lower belly, but it doesn’t intensify or spread.
• Some moms experience a persistent, low-level backache in prodromal labor that comes and goes with the contractions.
• Walking, resting, or hydrating can sometimes ease prodromal contractions. While in real labor, things only progress. 

Prodromal Labor vs. Real Labor

Before we talk about how to turn prodromal labor into real labor, you should know how to tell the difference between prodromal labor and real labor. Here’s what sets the two apart: 

The best way to know if it’s prodromal or active labor is to track your contractions. Use a timer to note how frequently they come, how long they last, and whether they’re getting stronger. If the contractions are irregular and don’t intensify, it’s prodromal. But if they’re consistent and keep growing stronger & closer together, your delivery time is near. 

How to Turn Prodromal Labor into Real Labor?

Let’s clear one thing, you cannot turn prodromal labor into real labor because that’s not how it works. The prodromal phase occurs when your body is preparing to deliver, and the baby’s position is adjusting. If you have a breech, your baby’s movement close to labor can give you prodromal contractions. But this will be a phase, and you cannot convert it into active labor unless it’s time. 

However, there are natural ways to create conditions that might help things move along. Here’s how to cope with prodromal labor:

1. Walking or swaying your hips is one of the best tips to progress prodromal labor as it can help your baby settle into a better position and make contractions more regular. But don’t exhaust yourself, as your body needs energy for the real thing.
2. Dehydration can sometimes cause contractions to stall, so stay hydrated and rest while you can (after the baby, taking rest will be a wish, lol).
3. Stress and tension can slow things down; practice deep breathing, take a warm bath, or use a birthing ball to relax your muscles and mind.
4. This natural method releases oxytocin, i.e., the hormone responsible for contractions. Gently massaging or rolling your nipples can sometimes help contractions become more regular.
5. Spice things up (yes, really). Eating spicy food and having sex are considered natural ways to induce labor at home. Although there’s no scientific proof, these methods are harmless and worth a try if you’re up for it.

Why Does Prodromal Labor Occur? 

Prodromal labor is such that one minute, you’re convinced it’s go-time, and the next, everything stops. But why does this happen? Here are a few reasons:

Your Body is Gearing up for Birth

As I said earlier, prodromal labor is essentially your body’s way of getting ready to give birth. Your uterus is practicing contractions, and your cervix softens during this phase.

Your Baby is Getting into Position

Prodromal labor may also occur because your baby is adjusting their position in the pelvis. If your little one isn’t perfectly aligned, your body might use these contractions to encourage them to move into a better birthing position. The re-positioning can take time, and it’s one reason why prodromal labor can last for hours or even days.

Hormonal Changes are at Play

Your body is a hormone powerhouse during pregnancy, and prodromal labor is no exception. The rise and fall of hormones like oxytocin (which triggers contractions) and progesterone (which helps maintain pregnancy) can cause irregular contractions. 

Your Body is Responding to Stress or Activity

Sometimes, prodromal labor is triggered by external factors like physical activity, dehydration, or stress. For example, a long walk or a busy day might result in contractions that fade once you rest. 

It’s More Common in First-Time Moms

If this is your first baby, you’re more likely to experience prodromal labor. Why? Your body is going through this process for the first time, and it may take longer to figure things out. 

1. How to turn prodromal labor into real labor
2. How to speed up prodromal labor

Is Prodromal Labor Similar to Braxton Hicks Contractions?

No, even though Braxton Hicks contractions are also called false labor, they feel different, and their role is different from prodromal labor. Here’s a simple lowdown on the differences between these two:

Summing Up 

Prodromal labor might feel like a frustrating waiting game, but trust your body—it knows what it’s doing, even when progress feels slow. Take this time to rest, hydrate, and lean on your support system. You’re doing an incredible job, and soon, all the anticipation will turn into the joy of holding your little one. Until then, stay patient and know that you’ve got this.

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• Express Gratitude To Your Family
• Family Vision Board
• Couple Vision Board

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