Each stage of the labour is often characterised by different types of contractions. During the course of a labour there will usually be many variations in the labour pattern. When compared to the 1st stage of labour, prelabour contractions tend to be further apart, shorter in length and can often be erratic.
The waves of contractions start at the top of the uterus (called the 'fundus') and radiate down the uterus to the cervix. As the uterus contracts, the lower segment of the uterus pulls up, and starts to open the cervix. Prelabour contractions usually help soften and thin the cervix and sometimes begin to slightly open, (or dilate), the cervix.
Image 3-13 shows the action of the uterus contracting.
Listed below are some examples of how prelabour contractions may present, before the 1st stage of labour begins. These patterns can occur the day you start labour, 2 to 3 days leading up to the day you labour, or on and off for 2 to 3 weeks before the labour begins..........
....as we said, "it is just the beginning."
Prelabour contractions may: