How Long Does Prodromal Labor Last?

The prodromal labor (“false labor”) phase of labor may last between one to three days or more.

Prodromal labor refers to the earliest signs that labor has started. It is a normal part of labor that occurs before active labor, although it doesn’t occur with every labor, especially the first ones. 

Prodromal labor may be called “false labor.” Though contractions are occurring, they do not progress to active labor.  

The prodromal phase of labor may last between one to three days or more, although symptoms may come and go throughout the day.

Once contractions are regular and less than five minutes apart, lasting for longer than one minute each, and continuing for more than an hour, active labor may be starting and a healthcare provider should be notified. 

For some pregnancies, the prodromal phase is just an undefined set of symptoms, such as: 

• Loss of the mucous plug 
• Loose stool
• A strong nesting instinct
• Contractions 
  • May be regular and more intense than Braxton-Hicks contractions
  • Prodromal labor contractions feel similar to early and even active labor contractions
  • The difference is these contractions do not move labor forward for a while or become longer, stronger, and closer together 
  • Contractions may occur a few hours or days after the above symptoms and progress normally, and it is at that point people may realize the other symptoms were signs of prodromal labor

There are four stages of labor and delivery. The prodromal stage occurs before these stages. 

1. First stage

• During this stage, contractions help the cervix to thin (effacement) and start to open (dilation)
• As the cervix dilates, the opening is measured in centimeters (1 centimeter = 0.39 inches) and the cervix will widen to about 10 centimeters
• This stage lasts about 12 to 13 hours for a first child, and 7 to 8 hours for a second child
• The first stage of labor has three parts:
  • 1. Early labor
  • The cervix dilates to about 4 centimeters and the expectant mother will probably still be at home
  • She should keep track of contractions but she can continue her usual activities and rest, eat light meals, and drink clear fluids if she chooses
  • When there is a change in frequency, strength, and length of contractions, and when a woman can no longer talk during a contraction, these are signs she is going into active labor
• 2. Active labor 
  • Cervix dilates to 7 cm and the expectant mom should go to the hospital
  • When contractions occur every 3 to 4 minutes and last about 60 seconds, this means the cervix is dilating faster and a woman will not walk to speak as contractions occur
  • A woman’s water may break during this stage, and contractions will speed up
  • Trying to relax in between contractions can conserve energy and help the cervix dilate
• 3. Transition to second stage
  • Cervix dilates to its fullest, at about 10 cm
  • This is often the most painful part of labor and contractions come about every 2 to 3 minutes and last 60 to 90 seconds each
  • Women may feel overwhelmed by the contractions and exhausted as there is little time to rest

2. Second stage

• The cervix is completely dilated and contractions help move the baby through the birth canal for delivery
• A woman may feel intense pressure, similar to an urge to have a bowel movement
• She may be asked to push with each contraction, which will continue to be strong but will be more spaced out
• The length of this stage depends on whether a woman has given birth before, and if so, how many times, and the position and size of the baby

3. Third stage

• After the birth, the uterus continues contracting to push out the placenta (afterbirth)
• The placenta is typically delivered about 5 to 15 minutes after the baby arrives

4. Fourth stage

• This is the recovery stage
• The baby is delivered and the placenta is expelled
• Most women feel joy, relief, and fatigue
• Most babies are ready to breastfeed shortly after birth and women who plan to breastfeed may be encouraged to try to nurse as soon as possible to help the uterus contract and decrease the amount of bleeding