Pre-Labor

Signs at a Glance Anxious or Excited May lose mucus plug May have bloody show Contractions: Irregular Stop or slow down with change in activity Less than 45 seconds long Generally mild

A very normal experience for women getting ready to labor is to have rhythmic contractions for a few hours or a few days that come and go without actually beginning labor. Doctors used to refer to these contractions as "False Labor." They can also be called Braxton-Hicks contractions. The best term for these contractions is Pre-Labor.

Using the term Pre-Labor gives recognition to the fact that these contractions are a normal part of labor and they are getting work done. The more work you get done during pre-labor, the less work you have to do in actual labor.

During these pre-labor contractions your cervix may be softening and effacing, it may also be dilating a centimeter or two. Your body is being washed in relaxin, a hormone that allows your pelvis to stretch to let the baby fit through. You body may also be adjusting the levels of hormones so that labor can start.

Some women lose their mucus plug during pre-labor, and some women have bloody show at this time as well. These are both normal occurances as your body begins to open the cervix.

Contractions at this point are generally 10 minutes apart or more. However, it is possible to have them closer together and still be in pre-labor. The key to distinguishing between labor and pre-labor is time. Over a few hours, have your contractions gotten closer together, lasting longer and feeling more intense. If not, it is not the actual labor.

The biggest difficulties for women experiencing a long pre-labor are the emotional and physical fatigue that accompanies it. To avoid this, it is important that you follow your normal routine as long as possible. Sleep if you are tired, eat if you are hungry and go about your normal day until contractions demand your attention.

You May Also Be Interested In: Learn what normal labor is like. Practice your new labor skills with virtual labor. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about birth and locate childbirth professionals. The Coach's Notebook helps you learn tools and techniques to manage labor. The Birth Planning section can help you put the finishing touches on your plans for labor.

© Copyright 2000-2008 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally

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