Pre-labour means that a woman is in labour but not yet in established labour.

This stage of labour can last a very short time or a frustratingly long time with multiple stops and starts. If you have rushed to hospital and been examined it is not uncommon to be sent home again at this point as it could still be a long time before established labour sets in.

You will be less than 3cm dilated and may be having irregular or regular contractions but the contractions wil be more than five minutes apart, may last only 10 - 20 seconds and will not be as strong as when in established labour.

Many first (and second and third!) time mothers will rush to hospital at this point believing themselves to be in established labour. If you are unsure whether you are in pre-labour or established labour then give the hospital or your midwife a call and they will advise you.