prodromal labor


pro·dro·mal la·bor

(prō-drō'măl lā'bŏr) An early phase of labor that does not progress in a normal pattern: contractions do not increase in intensity and cervical dilatation is minimal.
Compare: active labor

prodromal labor

The initial changes that precede actual labor, usually occurring 24 to 48 hr before the onset of labor. Some women report a surge of energy. Findings include lightening, excessive mucoid vaginal discharge, softening and beginning effacement of the ripe cervix, scant bloody show associated with expulsion of the mucus plug, and diarrhea. See also: labor