PRODROME

In medicine, a 'prodrome' is an early symptom indicating the development of a disease, or indicating that a disease attack is imminent. For example fever, malaise, headache and anorexia (lack of desire to eat) are part of the prodrome for the mumps.
It also refers to the initial ''in vivo'' round of viral replication.
'Prodromal labour', also called "false labour," is the early signs before labour starts. ''See'' Braxton Hicks.