Pre-labor
Encyclopedia
Pre-labor, also called "prodromal labor," consists of the early signs before labor
starts. It is the body's preparation for real labor.
Prodromal labor has been misnamed as “false labor." Prodromal labor begins much as traditional labor but does not progress to the birth
of the baby. Not everyone feels this stage of labor, though it does always occur. However, this does not mean that every woman will experience every symptom. The term is used to describe a cluster of physical changes that may take place in a pregnant woman before she goes into "real" labor, such as an increase in blood volume (sometimes resulting in edema
), Braxton Hicks contractions, the presence of colostrum
in the breasts, and the dislodging of the mucous plug
that has sealed the cervix
during the pregnancy.
The term "false labor" is sometimes used to describe a cluster of Braxton Hicks contractions that are mistaken for real labor.
The term "false labor" and "false pains" are sometimes considered equivalent.
Childbirth
Childbirth is the culmination of a human pregnancy or gestation period with the birth of one or more newborn infants from a woman's uterus...
starts. It is the body's preparation for real labor.
Prodromal labor has been misnamed as “false labor." Prodromal labor begins much as traditional labor but does not progress to the birth
Birth
Birth is the act or process of bearing or bringing forth offspring. The offspring is brought forth from the mother. The time of human birth is defined as the time at which the fetus comes out of the mother's womb into the world...
of the baby. Not everyone feels this stage of labor, though it does always occur. However, this does not mean that every woman will experience every symptom. The term is used to describe a cluster of physical changes that may take place in a pregnant woman before she goes into "real" labor, such as an increase in blood volume (sometimes resulting in edema
Edema
Edema or oedema ; both words from the Greek , oídēma "swelling"), formerly known as dropsy or hydropsy, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin or in one or more cavities of the body that produces swelling...
), Braxton Hicks contractions, the presence of colostrum
Colostrum
Colostrum is a form of milk produced by the mammary glands of mammals in late pregnancy. Most species will generate colostrum just prior to giving birth...
in the breasts, and the dislodging of the mucous plug
Cervical mucus plug
A cervical mucus plug ' is a plug that fills and seals the cervical canal during pregnancy. It is formed by a small amount of cervical mucus.The mucus plug acts as a protective barrier by deterring the passage of bacteria into the uterus....
that has sealed the cervix
Cervix
The cervix is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. It is cylindrical or conical in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall...
during the pregnancy.
The term "false labor" is sometimes used to describe a cluster of Braxton Hicks contractions that are mistaken for real labor.
The term "false labor" and "false pains" are sometimes considered equivalent.
External links
- "What happens during labor?" by Pam Cass http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/birth/whatlabor/index.php