Pregnancy is anything but predictable, and with the due date looming, one of the most confusing experiences for many expectant mothers is prodromal labour, commonly referred to as false labour pain. These contractions may feel quite real and, in some cases, are mistaken for actual labour, resulting in unwanted hospital visits. Knowing what prodromal labour is, why it happens, its signs, and how long it lasts can make you feel more empowered as you prepare for delivery.
Prodromal labour consists of contractions that happen before actual labour starts. However, the contractions are actual, sometimes arriving every five minutes and lasting as long as one minute, but neither the contractions nor the cervix lead to active labour. Women find these contractions exhausting and emotionally stressful because they tend to raise hope that labour has begun, only to halt suddenly.
Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, which are usually painless and unpredictable, prodromal labour contractions may be painful and consistent. Yet they get stuck in a pattern and never become intense enough to propel the process of labour.
Its causes are not yet known, but experts assume that false labour pain is the body's mechanism of preparing itself for real labour. The uterus is rehearsing, and the cervix is possibly softening and preparing for dilation. Some of the possible causative factors are:
Knowing the reasons behind false labour pain can be relieving; it's a sign your body is preparing for the big day.
Recognising false labour pain symptoms will prevent you from making several trips to the hospital. They include:
Monitoring false labour pain symptoms with a contraction timer will enable you to pay attention to whether they are increasing or remaining constant.
One of the most frequent inquiries made by pregnant couples is when false labour pain starts. Prodromal labour tends to occur in the last few weeks of pregnancy, possibly starting as early as 37 weeks. It may occur at any time during the day, but more frequently at night and interferes with sleep.
Understand when false labour pain begins so that you prepare psychologically for the last stage of pregnancy. First-time mothers may experience this stage as the most confusing and stressful, but it is a normal process.
Prodromal labour lasts for an enormous range of time. For some women, it lasts only a few hours, and others will struggle with it intermittently for a few weeks or even days before birth. The only thing distinguishing it from real labour is the fact that these contractions never increase in strength to the level where they would move into active labour.
If you experience false labour pain over long periods of time, concentrate on resting, drinking fluids, and relaxation methods.
Learning how to distinguish false labour from actual labour can save unnecessary anxiety.
False Labour
True Labour
If uncertain, call your healthcare provider for reassurance and instructions.
Coping with false labour pain symptoms can be emotionally and physically draining. The following are some tricks that might work:
While prodromal labour is common, you should call your doctor if you experience:
Your physician can do a cervical check or listen for the baby's heartbeat to make sure everything is going smoothly.
Handling the uncertainty of false labour pain is made easier when you have the appropriate care team. Cloudnine provides individualised care with a keen emphasis on comfort, advice, and reassurance for pregnant women. Their skilled obstetricians and nurses know how to differentiate between prodromal labour and genuine labour, preventing you from experiencing undue anxiety or hospitalisation. The staff puts importance on patient education, making sure you are aware of your body's signs and that you feel supported throughout your journey.
Prodromal labour, or false labour pain, is a sensation that can occur during late pregnancy and is usually a sign that your body is getting ready for birth. Although the symptoms of false labour pain are annoying and at times disheartening, they are harmless. Knowing how to distinguish between false labour and real labour, staying well-hydrated, resting, and calling on your healthcare provider when necessary will have you feeling much more confident as delivery time draws near.
False labour pains tend to feel like menstrual cramps or tightening in the lower back and abdomen. They can occur at regular intervals but do not become stronger with time.
Attempt to rest, drink fluids, and employ comfort measures such as warm baths or breathing exercises. If the contractions become more frequent or more intense, call your doctor.
Yes, walking or a position change can possibly discontinue false labour contractions, which is a positive method of differentiating them from true labour.
False labour can also be referred to as prodromal labour.
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