How Long Does Prodromal/false Labor Last?

It can last a long time. I didn't have it with my children, but a friend of mine just had her son last month and she had just what you're describing since 30 wks (he came a week late). She was 3 cm dialated for 6 wks. She went to the hospital twice thinking she was in labor because her contractions were so bad, but they weren't progressing her so she was sent home. You start to get anxious toward the end of your pregnancy because all these new things start happening to your body. Babies are usually born near their due date so I think its a safe bet you have about 6 weeks to go.

Hi S.! I had prodromal/false labor from about 34 weeks on. Went to the hospital twice for sure I was in labor only to be sent home. I was dilated in between 4-5 for almost 5 weeks. It can last a really long time. Try to relax and get your mind on something else. The only good part about all this false labor is when it actually is time for the baby to come it should happen pretty quick.

I had prodomal labor. Once it started, I had it until I actually went into labor. Practice relaxing through it. It will help when you're actually IN labor. I know sleep is hard. Just try to relax and let your body do what it is supposed to be doing. Yes, it IS actually doing something. :-) That's the good part!

Try to get as much rest as possible over the next few weeks. You're going to need your energy. The one thing about prodomal labor is your body is already working. I had a very long and very hard labor and due to my prodomal labor, my body was very tired during the actual labor process. I'm not saying this will happen to you... but just be aware and try to get as much rest as possible.

Really try to practice your labor techniques while you are experiencing these prodomal labor pains.

Oh...the other thing. Since they ARE different then Braxton Hicks... meaning, they don't stop when you move or change positions.... you're going to have to keep an eye on how many you are having and if they are coming more frequently. That was the only way I knew I was actually IN labor. I went 2 hours with the contractions every 5 minutes. The prodomal labor had never been so steady for so long. An hour yes... but never 2 hours.

Good luck and congratulations on your upcoming new arrival!

I have 7 beautiful girls and always went through at least 2 weeks of contractions before they came, it was on and off. Try to take hot baths, they really help and if it is false will calm it down a little bit. I practically stayed in the bath tub for the last weeks of pregnancy! It was a real life saver! You will be welcoming that little one soon enough, just try to relax and stay calm!

I don't know the average but I had contractions that were 7 minutes apart, very noticeable and pretty uncomfortable for six days before my "real" labor started. I was also effaced 60-70% and dialated 2 cm for this enitire time. It was nothing I couldn't sleep through or walk through, though.

All I can say is that when real labor started, I KNEW. General rule is that if you have to ask, then it probably is either VERY early labor or just strong Braxton Hicks contractions!!

Hi S.! For me, false labor lasted exactly one week before I went into labor. And I had Braxton hix for about 1 month before I went into labor. This happened with my 2nd baby. With my 1st baby, I didn't have any Braxton Hicks or False Labor. Every pregnancy is different. But one of the nurses at the hospital did tell me False Labor typically happens one week before real labor. Another thing....my False Labor lasted maybe 2 hours...then it went back to Braxton Hicks. It sounds to me like you're in labor sweetie! If you can't sleep through the contractions, then it's real labor. Time them and call your doctor.

My friend was in prodromal labor for a couple months before having her baby:( Actually I know 2 women who had latent labor for a couple months now that I think about it...
Ask your doctor to prescribe a sleeping pill. It probably won't stop until you have the baby and that could be 8 weeks still if you go to 42 weeks :(

Stay hydrated. Keep a heating pad with you if possible. Take baths when you get the chance. Put your feet up any time you can.

Good Luck!!