The period prior to actual labour pains is probably the one most filled with misconceptions, what with terms such as false labour and all. Prodromal labor is a more concise term to use, for it refers to the collective occurrence of several physical changes in a woman’s body prior to the actual process of going into labor.
All these changes, after all, play a part in the overall process of childbirth. Read on…
Prodromal labour is a term is used to describe the period before labor in which certain physical and bodily changes that resemble actual labor, take place in a woman’s body. Even though these changes indicate labor, it doesn’t necessarily mean that labour will begin soon for the mom-to-be, and for some women, this period might involve a lot of waiting. Why does this labor take place before childbirth and what are some of the changes that it brings with it?
Prodromal labour is a more accurate term to use instead of false labour, for it happens for a reason, and that is, to prepare the mom for actual labour. Labour, can prove to be demanding on the body and mind, and this period of prodromal labour can help prepare the mom for it, by helping her body get accustomed to certain changes.
The experience of prodromal labour is hardly ever the same for each woman. The symptoms and the time that it lasts will differ from one pregnant woman to another. For some, it might be a few hours, while for others, it could last for days. The time period of prodromal labour will depend on when the symptoms first appear. If a woman experiences them early, then prodromal labor will last longer and if they occur very late or towards the end of her pregnancy, then the experience will be for a shorter time period.
The signs and symptoms can be confused with actual labour signs, for they are often similar. Hence, the popular term ‘false labour’. Here are the symptoms to look out for:
Swellings
Swelling on different parts of the body, such as the feet, hands, arms, face, etc is a sign of prodromal labour. This happens as the body prepares for labour by increasing its blood content. The tissues around the body carry more blood during this time, thus contributing to the generally swollen look.
Non-labour contractions
Contractions that are experienced during this labor are irregular and start and stop, unlike real contractions which make way at regular intervals. Along with that, they do not increase in strength and intensity like regular contractions do, but remain mild. The contractions are usually experienced in the abdominal region, unlike the real ones that make way from the back to the front.
A good way of distinguishing between the real contractions and those that are produced by this form of labor is to formulate a change in the routine either by performing mild exercises or by eating something. If the contractions die down or the labor pain symptoms completely disappear then it is a part of prodromal labor.
Secretion of colostrums
The body also prepares the mother-to-be for nursing by secreting a white liquid from the breasts. This liquid is called colostrums, and it’s a highly nutritious food for your baby. Colostrum will provide your newborn with the kind of nutrition needed for building a strong immunity for warding off diseases during the first few days after being born.
Frequent passing of motion or mild diarrhea
As the time draws nearer, the body will start preparing and clearing itself of all unwanted wastes, by purging them out of the body. During this time, you’ll feed a bigger urge to pass a motion, and more frequently too. Some women may also experience mild bouts of diarrhea for this purpose.
What you can do to ease the symptoms
The symptoms of prodromal labor may be mild enough to ignore, or, they could be strong enough to cause anxiety and uneasiness in a mom-to-be. Besides that, the wait for the real thing could also take a toll on some women who are going through this phase of pregnancy. Here are some tips you can try to ease the situation.
Find ways to relax and de-stress through it all
Listening to music or taking a walk or simply finding ways to rest will ease the pain and calm the mind. The same methods of natural pain relief during labor can be applied to prodromal labor as well, such as your Lamaze Breathing technique, your TENS machine, your yoga ball light bouncing technique, or even a loving massage from your partner! Any of these may help, as they will during the upcoming real thing.
Take the weight off with a warm water soak
Fill your bathtub with warm (the warmest that’s comfortable for you) and soak for a bit. It will help give you a sense of weightlessness and will help ease some of the uncomfortable sensations.
Watch your sleeping position
During the prodromal labour period, pay attention to your sleeping position, for it can either help ease some of the pains, or make it worse. Switch your sleeping position around till you find the most comfortable one, e.g. one that places the least amount of pressure on your belly.
Eat well and stay hydrated
Nutrition has been important to your body from day one, and it remains even now. You’ll need to be in great shape, with ample energy to go through labour. So, during this prodromal labour period, treat your body well with nutritious food and stay hydrated, so that you’ll be in your best condition to give birth.
In conclusion
Prodromal labor is something that most pregnant women will experience in the last stages of their pregnancy. The symptoms vary from woman to woman, for some may have milder experiences, while others may feel it in full force. Whichever side of the scale you find yourself in, remember that your body knows what’s best for you, so keep calm and let it prepare you for giving birth!
