Prodomal labour also known as the latent phase or early labour can be a frustrating time

Prodomal labour also known as the latent phase or early labour can be a frustrating time. It's the time when your body is preparing for established (active) labour but doesn't always result in the birth before it stops.

Established labour usually occurs when you are having strong contractions every 3-4 minutes or so lasting about 1 minute, have a cervix that's around 3-4cm dilated and this has been happening for at least a couple of hours.

Prior to this you may find that you play a stop/start game with contractions. This is called prodromal labour and can even take your breath away for several hours before simply stopping. Annoyingly this may happen on and off for days but never getting strong enough to actually dilate your cervix and put you into true established (active) labour until some time later

Not everyone experiences prodromal labour though. The uterus has 2 segments, the upper and lower. Both segments have muscle fibres that must act together to create effective contractions that dilate the cervix. This coupled with an optimal fetal position including a baby well aligned into the pelvis, good support, a calm environment and a well nourished/hydrated body, is more likely going to make prodromal labour shorter or non existent. This is also true for women who have birthed before.

Prodromal labour is the reason many care providers will say to wait until your contractions are strong, coming at least every 4 minutes, lasting 1 minute for at least 2 hours. If you have been having mild to moderate contractions that arent getting any stronger throughout the day, it may be prodromal labour.

If things seem to be going on for some time without progression and you're feeling tired, you could try a number of positions that may help align baby better in the pelvis. Google 'The Miles Circuit' for more info. If the contractions fade away or don't intensify, you can always try nipple stimulation (a breast pump works well) to get them going again

Remember though that not all women are the same! Some people report mild, irregular contractions right up until the birth so If in doubt call your care provider for advice.

Did you experience prodromal labour?