Prelabor vs. True Labor
How to tell the difference and when to act
The Orchestra Tuning Up
One of the hardest things about early labor is the uncertainty. The body sends signals that feel like labor but fade away. Then they come back. This is normal. Most labors begin with an on-again, off-again period called prelabor. Hours or days of contractions that warm up the cervix but do not yet dilate it. Think of it as the orchestra tuning up before the performance. The challenge is knowing when the performance has actually started. The rest-hydrate-position-change test is your best tool: if contractions stop when you rest, it was prelabor. If they keep getting stronger regardless, labor has begun.
How to Tell the Difference
Rest, hydrate, and change position. If contractions stop or become irregular, it was prelabor. If they keep getting stronger regardless of what you do, labor has likely begun. Time contractions for one hour.
When to Call and When to Go
Call your provider when contractions are 5 minutes apart for one hour (or 4 minutes for subsequent births). If your water breaks, follow their instructions. Ask before your due date so there is no confusion.