Pre-labor: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Pre-labor | |||
| synonyms = Prodromal labor, false labor | |||
| field = [[Obstetrics]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Uterine contractions]], [[cervical effacement]], [[back pain]], [[pelvic pressure]] | |||
| complications = [[Exhaustion]], [[anxiety]] | |||
| onset = [[Late pregnancy]] | |||
| duration = Hours to days | |||
| types = [[Braxton Hicks contractions]] | |||
| causes = [[Hormonal changes]], [[fetal position]] | |||
| risks = [[First-time pregnancy]], [[multiple pregnancies]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical assessment]], [[cervical examination]] | |||
| differential = [[True labor]], [[Braxton Hicks contractions]] | |||
| prevention = None | |||
| treatment = [[Rest]], [[hydration]], [[pain management]] | |||
| medication = [[Analgesics]], [[sedatives]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally resolves with onset of true labor | |||
| frequency = Common in late pregnancy | |||
}} | |||
'''Pre-labor''' is the period of time before [[labor]] begins during which the body prepares for childbirth. It is also known as the latent phase of labor, early labor, or prodromal labor. | '''Pre-labor''' is the period of time before [[labor]] begins during which the body prepares for childbirth. It is also known as the latent phase of labor, early labor, or prodromal labor. | ||
== Signs and Symptoms == | == Signs and Symptoms == | ||
The signs and symptoms of pre-labor can vary greatly from woman to woman, and from pregnancy to pregnancy. They may include: | The signs and symptoms of pre-labor can vary greatly from woman to woman, and from pregnancy to pregnancy. They may include: | ||
* [[Contractions]] that are irregular and do not get closer together | * [[Contractions]] that are irregular and do not get closer together | ||
* Lower back pain or discomfort | * Lower back pain or discomfort | ||
| Line 10: | Line 27: | ||
* Increased vaginal discharge | * Increased vaginal discharge | ||
* Changes in the cervix, such as effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening) | * Changes in the cervix, such as effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening) | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Pre-labor is a normal part of pregnancy and is caused by changes in the body as it prepares for childbirth. These changes may include: | Pre-labor is a normal part of pregnancy and is caused by changes in the body as it prepares for childbirth. These changes may include: | ||
* The baby moving lower into the pelvis | * The baby moving lower into the pelvis | ||
* The cervix starting to efface and dilate | * The cervix starting to efface and dilate | ||
* The release of prostaglandins, hormones that help to soften the cervix and stimulate contractions | * The release of prostaglandins, hormones that help to soften the cervix and stimulate contractions | ||
== Management == | == Management == | ||
Management of pre-labor may include: | Management of pre-labor may include: | ||
* Rest and relaxation | * Rest and relaxation | ||
* Hydration and nutrition | * Hydration and nutrition | ||
* Pain management techniques, such as warm baths, massage, and breathing exercises | * Pain management techniques, such as warm baths, massage, and breathing exercises | ||
* Monitoring of contractions and other signs of labor | * Monitoring of contractions and other signs of labor | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Labor]] | * [[Labor]] | ||
* [[Childbirth]] | * [[Childbirth]] | ||
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* [[Contractions]] | * [[Contractions]] | ||
* [[Cervix]] | * [[Cervix]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Obstetrics]] | [[Category:Obstetrics]] | ||
[[Category:Pregnancy]] | [[Category:Pregnancy]] | ||
[[Category:Childbirth]] | [[Category:Childbirth]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
{{No image}} | {{No image}} | ||
Latest revision as of 01:51, 4 April 2025
| Pre-labor | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Prodromal labor, false labor |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Uterine contractions, cervical effacement, back pain, pelvic pressure |
| Complications | Exhaustion, anxiety |
| Onset | Late pregnancy |
| Duration | Hours to days |
| Types | Braxton Hicks contractions |
| Causes | Hormonal changes, fetal position |
| Risks | First-time pregnancy, multiple pregnancies |
| Diagnosis | Clinical assessment, cervical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | True labor, Braxton Hicks contractions |
| Prevention | None |
| Treatment | Rest, hydration, pain management |
| Medication | Analgesics, sedatives |
| Prognosis | Generally resolves with onset of true labor |
| Frequency | Common in late pregnancy |
| Deaths | N/A |
Pre-labor is the period of time before labor begins during which the body prepares for childbirth. It is also known as the latent phase of labor, early labor, or prodromal labor.
Signs and Symptoms[edit]
The signs and symptoms of pre-labor can vary greatly from woman to woman, and from pregnancy to pregnancy. They may include:
- Contractions that are irregular and do not get closer together
- Lower back pain or discomfort
- Pelvic pressure or discomfort
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Changes in the cervix, such as effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening)
Causes[edit]
Pre-labor is a normal part of pregnancy and is caused by changes in the body as it prepares for childbirth. These changes may include:
- The baby moving lower into the pelvis
- The cervix starting to efface and dilate
- The release of prostaglandins, hormones that help to soften the cervix and stimulate contractions
Management[edit]
Management of pre-labor may include:
- Rest and relaxation
- Hydration and nutrition
- Pain management techniques, such as warm baths, massage, and breathing exercises
- Monitoring of contractions and other signs of labor
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references />
