There is so many terms thrown around when you become pregnant. In this "Terminology Explained" series, we help make understanding them easier.

Today's term is prodromal labor.

What is Prodromal Labor? 

Official Definition: Prodromal labor is a normal part of labor, before active labor, where contractions start and stop, even developing into noticeable patterns, but do not progress into labor. Prodromal labor can occur hours, days, or even weeks before active labor begins. It's often referred to as "false labor," though this isn't a great description -- the contractions are real, but they come and go without developing into active labor.

Prodromal labor contractions are more intense than Braxton-Hicks contractions and feel similar to early and even active labor contractions. The difference is, they do not move labor forward -- they don't increase in intensity, regularity, and are not strong enough to continue dilating or effacing the cervix (though they can cause minimal changes). 

Prodromal labor can last for 1 to 3 days, or longer. First time parents may experience prodromal labor less and for less time than people who have given birth before. 

Prodromal labor is normal and not a cause for concern. If you believe you're experiencing prodromal labor, it's still helpful and important to let your OB or midwife know, even if you aren't ready to go into the hospital or birth center. Your care provider can help you assess what's happening. In general, once your contractions begin happening regularly at less than 5 minutes apart, lasting for longer than one minute each, and continuing like this for longer than an hour, you may be transitioning into active labor and should notify your caregiver. Most people can labor safely at home for some time in active labor. 

When you will hear/see the term used? Medical care providers, childbirth educators, doulas, other parents all may talk about prodromal labor, though you may hear the term "false labor" used in its place more frequently. You may learn first-hand about prodromal labor if you are one of the many people who experience a "false alarm" during which you prepare to go or go to your place of birth / hospital only to discover that you have not progressed in dilation or effacement and are not in a pattern of active labor. 

Why is it important/beneficial? Understanding prodromal labor means you'll be better prepared to spot the difference between this stage of early labor and active labor, which will help you decide when to relocate to your chosen place of birth. That said, even more experienced parents can sometimes be "fooled" by prodromal labor. Never hesitate to reach out to your care providers with any concern or question, including prodromal labor. 

For more information about all stages of labor and how to prepare, take a quality childbirth class series, like the classes taught by Lamaze educators. Find one that's right for you! 

With all the recent talk about moving in labor and why it helps, we wanted to share 9 of the most common and beneficial movements for labor and birth.

Standing - Standing helps your body work best with gravity during labor, allowing baby to rotate and move down your birth canal, readying for birth. You might want to lean forward onto something or someone to release some of the effort of standing. Leaning forward might also give your baby more space.

Walking - Walking is wonderful in early and active labor. It can intensify contractions, is gravity positive, and acts as a distraction to help you cope with labor. One word of caution, however: don't over exert yourself by walking at length to 'jump start' labor - usually, labor will happen when your baby and body are ready. Tiring yourself out by walking miles around your neighborhood in early labor could deplete you of the energy that's needed later in active labor and birth.

Stair climbing - If your labor has stalled or if you are experiencing 'back labor' due to a posterior baby, you may have a baby who needs extra coaxing to rotate into the optimal position for birth. The back-and-forth uneven tilting motion that stair climbing causes helps baby shift and rotate. If possible and safe, climb steps two at a time with the same lead leg (the one that will feel more comfortable as you do this movement).

Hip circles/rocking on a ball - Sitting on an exercise/yoga/birth ball often feels wonderful in labor. It allows you to maintain an upright position while giving your legs a rest. To stay active while on the ball, open your legs wide (for stability and to open the inlet of your pelvis) and do hip circles, alternating to the left and right. For a similar effect, you can also do pelvic tilts, rocking forward and back.

Lunges - Similar to stair climbing, lunging (one at a time, held in position for a few contractions) opens your pelvis and allows more room for baby to rotate and descend. Be sure to lunge safely, with support from your partner or doula. For more details on how best to use a lunge during labor, check out the description on Spinning Babies.

Squatting - Squatting widens your pelvic outlet significantly. There are many ways to squat during labor - supported by a partner, with a rebozo, with a squat bar, holding onto an exercise ball. Childbirth classes are great for teaching you the many ways to squat (and several other movements!) during labor.

Side lying - While it isn't very 'active,' getting into a side lying position can be beneficial when used as a tool to rest in labor or slow down labor.

Kneeling/all fours - Kneeling or all fours/hands and knees positions can help bring relief from back labor and can be excellent positions for giving birth. One of the wonderful benefits of this position is that it gives your partner or doula access to your back and hips for massage, counter pressure, and the double hip squeeze. Kneeling while resting your upper body over the (raised) back of the bed will give your baby the added benefit of gravity. Opening your feet (not your knees) away from the midline of the body in this position will open the pelvic outlet, giving your baby more space to be born.

Rolling over - If you have an epidural during labor and birth, it's still possible - and important! - to remain as mobile as possible. With the help of a support person or your care provider, change positions every 30 minutes. Penny Simkin developed a sequence of 6 positions, called the 'rollover,' to promote mobility when laboring with an epidural. 

Stay tuned in to the signals your body is giving you throughout labor. Finding a comfortable position is your body’s response to these signals and can help your baby move through your pelvis.

Continuing our month-long spotlight on nutrition to celebrate National Nutrition Month, today we share some of the best online resources for nutrition during pregnancy. This blog post was written in 2016 and reviewed in 2025 for correct links and updates.

MyPlate tool to help you eat healthy and balanced meals\

A variety of resources created by the USDA. Includes a food calculator to help make nutritious food choices, available in multiple languages. 

Nutrition During Pregnancy FAQ - American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Q&A style information presenting basic nutrition topics and common questions of concern, like foods to avoid and food-borne illnesses.

Healthy eating and vitamin supplements in pregnancy | RCOG

Advice about healthy eating and vitamin supplementation during pregnancy

Pregnancy: Vegetarian Diet | Kaiser Permanente

Nutrition tips for vegetarians or vegans

One Week of Pregnancy Meals & Snacks - Parents.com

Suggestions and recipes for easy meals and snacks that will provide you with the nutrients you need during pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes Diet - US National Library of Medicine

Nutrition guidelines for those pregnant with gestational diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes Recipes

Website chock full of recipes and tips for safe and healthy eating for those with gestational diabetes.

The 12 best foods to fuel your pregnancy - BabyCenter.com

Foods to consider adding to your diet

When Green Is Not Your Color: Coping with Morning Sickness

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase “green with envy.”. But if you're one of the many women who experience morning sickness (up to 90% of people experience some symptoms of nausea), you likely be envious of those that don’t have morning sickness of pregnancy. Morning sickness varies in intensity and length and isn’t limited to just the morning. Some women will experience mild symptoms, like nausea and food aversions, for about 12 weeks, while others may endure more intense symptoms, like vomiting, sometimes lasting throughout pregnancy. Morning sickness is caused by sensitivity to some of the hormones of pregnancy. While there isn't anything you can do to cure morning sickness, there are many things you can do to help ease your discomfort and lessen the intensity of nausea.

Give in to cravings. Morning sickness often comes with strong cravings for eating "bad" foods, like high carbohydrates and high fat snacks. If that's what you crave, go for it. Sometimes, those foods do help your stomach feel better. And some relief is better than none as well as some calorie intake is better than none, right?

Eat bland, eat small, and eat often. If you're not craving specific foods, try eating very bland, small meals or snacks frequently. Eating often and in small doses helps aid in better digestion and keeps you from overloading your stomach, which can lead to more intense nausea. Likewise, feeling “empty” can in some cases bring on more nausea.

Slow to rise. When you wake up in the morning, get out of bed slowly. Getting out of bed too quickly, especially when you're pregnant, can make you feel faint, dizzy, or nauseous. If morning nausea before arising from bed is a problem, keep something at the bedside to nibble on at wakening. Something high in carbohydrates, like crackers, is a good choice.

Electrolytes. If you're vomiting, you need to counteract your loss of fluids. Try small doses of electrolyte enhanced fluids, like sports drinks or Pedialyte. Be aware, however, of checking the added sugar content of some electrolyte drinks. High sugar isn't necessary and may only add to your nausea. (Vitamin Water is sweetened naturally through fruit juice as opposed to Gatorade, which is sweetened with high fructose corn syrup). However, if vomiting is serious, you may need the calories that a sweetened drink provides. If you crave a sweetened drink, sip rather than “gulp.”

Consider smells. Stay away from foods that trigger nausea. Limit exposure to smells that trigger nausea. Food isn't the only nausea trigger. Warm, stuffy rooms, heavy perfume, and even loud noise can all add to morning sickness.

Have a night cap. If you're taking prenatal vitamins, they could increase your nausea. Consider taking your vitamins before bed and never take vitamins on an empty stomach.

Ginger, peppermint, and chamomile aid. While these supplements don’t help everyone, research shows that they do help some, so try these. There is no known harm if used in moderation. Ginger has long been known to help ease nausea. It can be taken in many forms -- in ginger ale drinks, in pill form, in hard candies, in tea, or by eating the root directly. Even inhaling the essential oil helps some with morning sickness. Chamomile, likewise, can be beneficial. It is usually taken as chamomile tea.  Finally, peppermint as an inhaled essential oil or as peppermint tea may help.

Alternative therapy. Some women swear by alternative treatment to ease morning sickness, including acupressure, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Acupressure is achieved by pressing on a specific point, specifically the P6 point on the inner wrist to relieve nausea. Commercially, devices that are made of elastic bands to wear on the wrist are available at drug stores, often marketed for seasickness prevention.

Medication. For women with severe and debilitating nausea, which includes frequent or constant vomiting, medication may be the solution. Talk with your healthcare provider about the options and risks involved. If left untreated, severe vomiting can lead to dehydration, which could cause preterm labor.

What did you do to deal with morning sickness?

Get ready for birth with confidence — Join a Lamaze online class today!  Empower yourself with evidence-based knowledge and support every step of the way.

Original Publication Date: March 16, 2012 by Cara Terreri, LCCE, CD (DONA)
Updated: July 24, 2025 by Renece Waller-Wise, DNP, RNC-OB, CNS, CLC, COI, LCCE,
FACCE

Adapted from Giving Birth with Confidence, 3rd Edition. 

Research supports the traditional practice of keeping parents and newborns together. Evidence shows that this is a key element of nature's plan. People experiencing natural birth have high levels of catecholamines, oxytocin, and endorphins. Catecholamines ensure that parent and baby are alert and ready to get to know each other. Oxytocin helps raise a birthing parent's body/chest/breast temperature and helps them feel calm and responsive. As they hold baby skin to skin, baby's hand and head movements stimulate more oxytocin and endorphin release. The oxytocin helps the uterus stay contracted, which prevents excessive bleeding and also increases milk production. The endorphins create feelings of calm and relaxation, and through body/breast milk, baby stays calm and relaxed, too. Physiologically, parents and babies are meant to be together. 

Experts recommend that right after birth a healthy newborn should be placed skin to skin on the birthing parent's abdomen or chest and should be dried and covered with warm blankets. The parent's temperature adjusts naturally to keep baby warm. Newborns (including premature babies) held skin to skin by their parent cry less and stay warmer than newborns placed in warming cribs. Recent research suggests that skin-to-skin contact, as well as vaginal birth and body/breastfeeding, help "seed" the baby's microbiome with long-term positive effects for baby. "Seeding" means that the exposure to the parent's normal bacteria during a vaginal birth and then skin-to-skin contact becomes the trigger for the development of the baby's own immune system, and this ultimately lowers the risk of the baby getting sick. 

Other benefits of skin-to-skin contact for newborns are easier, more regular breathing; higher more stable blood sugar levels; and a natural progression to body/breastfeeding. Most babies kept skin to skin with their parent after birth instinctively crawl to the chest/breast, latch on, and start nursing all by themselves. Even brief separation can interfere with their ability to do this. It's another good reason to delay baby's first bath. In fact, any care that needs to be done immediately after birth can be done with your baby skin to skin on your chest, with a light warmed blanket over you both. Weighing, measuring, and bathing can be delayed for several hours. 

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Learn more information about the benefits of keeping parent and baby together after birth:

• Read the summary of and complete Lamaze Healthy Birth Practice Paper on keeping parent and baby together after birth.
• Learn 60 ways to keep parent and baby together after birth. 
• Watch a video that demonstrates keeping your baby with you after birth.

Welcome to the first four weeks of postpartum in this month-by-month checklist guide to a healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum! This to-do list with a twist contains key tips and action items for optimal health and birth and post-birth preparation, in addition to reminders for fun things, too.  Take a look at the checklists from months 1-10 of pregnancy.

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To-Do List: Postpartum, Weeks 1-4

Weeks 1-4 post-birth is the beginning of what is referred to as "postpartum." While postpartum is often defined as the first 6-8 weeks after birth, some postpartum changes can last far beyond (up to 6 months and beyond). The following are helpful and healthy things you can do during this time after you've given birth.     

 Refer to your postpartum plan for a solid guide and helpful resources. 

 Get sleep whenever and however you can. Apart from taking care of your baby, taking care of yourself is paramount and sleep is critical to your well being.  

 Stop thinking about "should." I "should" be happy; I "should" know how to do xxxx; I "should" post pictures; and so on. Your experience is yours -- do not compare it with others' or how others think you should be. 

 Let visitors know when they can visit -- you are in charge of your space and time with your baby.    

 Continue taking your prenatal vitamin.

 If something feels off, you feel overwhelmed, you don't feel like yourself, or you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, contact your doctor, the hospital, or a therapist right away. Postpartum mood disorders are incredibly common and very treatable.   

 Accept offers for help! People love to feel helpful, so when someone inevitably asks "what do you need" or "let me know if I can help," etc., get specific: "I would love a hot meal this week" / "Could you run an errand for me?" / "Would you stop by and sit with the baby while I shower?"  

 Monitor your postpartum bleeding -- if you're soaking through more than one pad an hour or passing clots egg-sized or larger, call your doctor or midwife.   

 Attend pediatrician and postpartum appointments.   

 Experiencing difficulty with body/breastfeeding? Don't wait it out -- contact a local lactation consultant quickly.  

 Make sure you're eating enough, especially if body/breastfeeding.    

 Drink lots of water -- keep a water bottle by your side to help you remember to hydrate.  

 Feeling weak in your core is common -- consider purchasing a belly binder for support in the early days and weeks.  

Adapted from Giving Birth with Confidence, 3rd Edition. 

Many doctors and nurses discourage laboring people from pushing until their cervix is completely dilated and/or encourage them to hold their breath and push as hard as they can without a natural urge once their cervix is fully dilated (called "directed pushing"). There's no research to support these practices. Breath holding without the natural urge to do so is exhausting and deprives a baby of much-needed oxygen. In fact recent research suggests that directed pushing is more stressful for the baby and is associated with increased risk of pelvic-floor problems for the birthing person in the months and years after the birth. It's almost too obvious, isn't it? The signal that it's time to push is feeling the urge to push. If your baby is low in your pelvis, you may feel the urge to push before or at the time of full dilation. Bit if your baby is high in your pelvis at full dilation, you probably won't feel the urge to push until your baby's head moves well down in your pelvis. As your baby moves lower in your pelvis -- especially when your baby's head touches your pelvic-floor muscles (the tissue that forms the floor of your pelvis) -- you'll find yourself involuntarily holding your breath during contractions. You may also naturally grunt and groan during pushing contractions. 

How long will pushing take? As long as it takes. Pushing shouldn't be limited as long as you and your baby are doing well. Like Silly Putty, your perineum takes time and effort to soften and stretch. Once it's soft and stretchy, your baby is easily born. Some caregivers interrupt this process and do an episiotomy (cut the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening). Research shows that routine episiotomy is harmful. 

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Learn more information about the benefits of upright positions for birth and following your body's urges:

• Read the summary of and complete Lamaze Healthy Birth Practice Paper on avoiding giving birth on your back, available in eight languages, to learn more about healthy pushing practices.
• Learn more about pushing. 
• Watch a video that demonstrates alternatives to giving birth on your back.

Instantly quitting alcohol for pregnancy can feel challenging and disappointing. It's common to feel like you're missing out on the fun. The good news is, alcohol itself isn't the source of "fun," but rather it's the event and time spent with others that produces good feelings. If you're feeling down about being sober, focus instead on the ritual of drinking with a fun mocktail instead. Here are some suggestions for what to order (instead of just water or soda) when you're out:

• Soda water with lime/lemon and/or cranberry
• Virgin versions of alcoholic mixed drinks on the menu
• Non-alcoholic beer
• Sparkling water in a fancy bottle
• Kombucha
• Non-alcoholic wine
• Fancy iced tea -- mix with lemonade, cranberry, or a simple syrup; ask the bartender to get creative!
• Shirley Temple
• Fizzy juice -- ask for any juice mixed with soda water; garnish with mint, cherry, lime, etc.

Welcome to Month 10 of your month-by-month checklist guide to a healthy pregnancy and birth! This to-do list with a twist contains key tips and action items for optimal health and birth preparation, in addition to reminders for fun things, too. Looking for later months? Stay tuned as we post about the postpartum month in the coming weeks! Take a look at the checklists from previous months.

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To-Do List: Month 10

Weeks 37-40 of pregnancy: your 10th month! Notice I didn't say, the "end" of pregnancy? That's because not all pregnancies end by 40 weeks. In fact, most first pregnancies go past 40 weeks, with an average of 41 weeks (unless induced before labor begins on its own). The following are helpful and healthy things you can do during this month of pregnancy. If you've already had your baby, skip this post and focus on your postpartum time!     

 Like last month, remember to take time for you, and for you and your partner. You can't "bank" time before the baby comes, but you can savor the quiet moments! 

 If you haven't already, install your baby's car seat. Take it to your local fire department to have it checked for safety.  

 Care provider check in: Are you happy with your care? Yes, even this late, you can switch your doctor or midwife. It may not be simple, but it can be impactful if you're experiencing poor care.    

 Continue taking your daily folic acid supplement and prenatal vitamin.

 Continue going to your prenatal visits.  

 Mental and emotional health check: It's normal to feel anxious, but feeling overwhelmed by anxiety calls for professional support, either from your doctor or a therapist.  

 Sleep, sleep, sleep. You never know when you're going to go into labor -- getting good rest beforehand helps you maintain stamina for the big job ahead.   

 Preterm labor is still a concern -- report any signs to your doctor or midwife.   

 Keep up with kick counts.  

 Keep up with your walking -- it's a great way to kick start labor!   

 Learn the signs of preeclampsia and report any signs to your midwife or doctor right away.   

 Avoid induction unless medically necessary.   

Welcome to Month 9 of your month-by-month checklist guide to a healthy pregnancy and birth! This to-do list with a twist contains key tips and action items for optimal health and birth preparation, in addition to reminders for fun things, too. Looking for later months? Stay tuned as we post months 10 through postpartum, in the coming weeks! Take a look at the checklists from previous months.

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To-Do List: Month 9

Weeks 33-36 of pregnancy: your 9th month! You might be wondering why this is the 9th month and yet, not the end of pregnancy (aka, around 40 weeks). Though we say it all the time, pregnancy isn't technically 9 months and one month isn't always technically 4 weeks. For the sake of simplicity, we're using the 4-week model of a month to date pregnancy in these to-do lists. The following are helpful and healthy things you can do during this month of pregnancy.     

 Take time for you, and for you and your partner. You can't "bank" time before the baby comes, but you can savor the quiet moments! 

 Install your baby's car seat according to the user manual. Take it to your local fire department to have it checked for safety.  

 Care provider check in: Are you happy with your care? Any red flags? Yes, you can still switch your doctor or midwife if you are unsatisfied with the quality of your care.   

 Continue taking your daily folic acid supplement and prenatal vitamin.

 Did you get everything you need for baby? Check over your supplies for any last minute items you want to have in time for baby's arrival.  

 Mental and emotional health check: Increased anxiety is common as birth nears. If you feel overwhelmed by how you feel, talk to a professional -- either your doctor or a therapist.   

 Print a couple of copies of your birth plan and put them in your hospital bag. Share your birth preferences with your doula if you haven't already. 

 Sleep whenever and however you can. You likely won't be sleeping soundly through the night at this point, so catch up with rest or a nap during the day.   

 Put any finishing touches on baby's room or sleeping area. 

 Preterm labor is still a concern -- report any signs to your doctor or midwife.   

 Keep up with kick counts.  

 Keep moving! Walking is a great, low-impact way to stay fit for birth.   

 If possible, hire someone (or ask a good friend/family member for help) to clean your house.   

 Ask your midwife or doctor about routine newborn procedures, tests, and screening after birth. Decide what you do or do not want for your baby.