Prodromal Labor: What It Is, What It Isn't, and What You Can Do About It

Medically reviewed by Dr. Melissa Dennis, MD, MHA, FACOG

If you're in your third trimester and feeling contractions that seem like the real deal, only to have them fade out after a few hours, you're not alone. This could be prodromal labor — a totally normal (and sometimes totally frustrating) part of the end of pregnancy.

Let’s walk through what prodromal labor actually is, how to know it’s happening, and what you can do to stay comfortable while your body gets ready for the main event.

What Is Prodromal Labor?

Prodromal labor is often called "false labor," but that's not quite fair. These contractions aren't fake — they’re a sign your body is warming up for the real thing. Prodromal labor typically starts in the last few weeks of pregnancy and can feel a lot like early labor.

The key difference is that prodromal labor doesn't lead to active labor or significant cervical dilation. Your uterus is practicing, your baby may be shifting into the birth canal, and your body is working out the mechanics of birth. It’s all part of the process leading up to the cardinal movements of labor.

How to Identify Prodromal Labor

It can be tough to tell the difference between prodromal labor and the start of actual labor. Here are a few clues:

• Timing: Contractions may come regularly but don’t intensify or get closer together over time.
• Pain level: Discomfort may vary, but these contractions are usually less intense than active labor.
• No progression: There may be little or no change in cervical dilation.
• Goes away: Contractions might stop after a few hours or with a change in activity, like resting or taking a warm bath.

If you're unsure, always check in with your healthcare provider. It’s better to ask for help than stress. Your care team, including OB/GYNs, midwives, and birth doulas, have all helped countless expecting parents navigate the ups and downs of prodromal labor.

Prodromal Labor vs Real Labor

Understanding the difference between these two can help you avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital or birth center.

Prodromal labor usually features contractions that are irregular and may come and go without becoming more intense or frequent. These contractions don’t lead to significant cervical dilation and often ease up with rest, hydration, or a warm bath. On the other hand, labor is marked by consistent contractions that grow stronger, longer, and closer together. Unlike prodromal labor, real labor typically continues no matter what you do and results in steady cervical dilation as your body prepares to birth your baby.

What to do when you're in prodromal labor

When you feel irregular contractions, that is your cue to prioritize comfort and rest. Here are some tips:

• Hydrate and eat nourishing foods to keep your energy up. Staying nourished supports your body through this stop-and-start phase and gives your baby what they need too.
• Try a warm bath or shower to help relax your muscles. This can calm your nervous system and may even ease the intensity of the contractions.
• Change positions or go for a gentle walk to see if contractions shift. Movement can help reposition your baby and potentially encourage labor to progress.
• Practice relaxation techniques from your birth plan, like deep breathing or guided meditation. These habits can keep your mind grounded and your body out of "fight or flight."
• Get sleep if you can! You’ll want energy when true labor begins. Even a short nap can help restore your strength for the hours ahead.

What to avoid when you're in prodromal labor

While it might feel like go-time, try not to act hastily. Avoid doing following while contractions are irregular:

• Rush to the hospital unless advised by your provider. This can lead to unnecessary stress or even being sent back home — not ideal when you're already uncomfortable.
• Exhaust yourself with hours of timing contractions. Focus on how you feel overall instead of watching the clock too closely.
• Google every symptom (we know, easier said than done). Online rabbit holes can increase anxiety instead of offering clarity.
• Make big changes to your birth plan based on prodromal signs alone. Save your energy and decision-making power for when labor truly kicks in.

Remember, this phase can be physically and emotionally draining, but it’s also a sign your body is gearing up to meet your baby.

Prodromal Labor FAQs

Does prodromal labor dilate your cervix? 

Prodromal labor can dilate your cervix, but usually only a little. Think of it as softening and positioning work rather than major progress. Your cervix might begin to efface (thin out), which is also an important part of preparing for labor.

How long does prodromal labor last? 

For some expectant parents, prodromal labor lasts a few hours; for others, it can come and go for days or even a week or more. While this stage can feel exhausting, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong, and it is often a signal that active labor is on the horizon.

How to turn prodromal labor into real labor? 

There’s no magic switch, but encouraging baby to settle into an optimal position (like through pelvic tilts or sitting on a birth ball), staying relaxed, and staying well-rested can support the natural progression into true labor. Talk with your provider or doula about safe ways to support this phase, especially if it's going on for several days.

If you’re experiencing prodromal labor, it’s a sign that your body is actively preparing for birth. While it might feel like a tease, it’s all part of the journey. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure what's going on, lean on your support system, and trust that your body knows what it's doing. You’ve got this!