WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Contractions

Contractions
Pregnancy is a journey filled with various stages and changes, one of the most significant being contractions. These are the body's natural mechanism of preparing for and facilitating childbirth.
Understanding contractions, their types, and what they signify can help demystify this crucial aspect of pregnancy and childbirth.
Types of Contractions
  • Braxton Hicks Contractions: Often referred to as “false labor,” these contractions are typically painless and irregular. They can begin as early as the second trimester and are the body’s way of preparing for labor, but they don’t indicate that labor has begun.
  • Labor Contractions: These contractions are more regular, rhythmic, and increase in intensity and frequency. They are a sign that your body is getting ready for the delivery process.
Identifying Labor Contractions
  • Regular Intervals: Unlike Braxton Hicks, labor contractions occur at regular intervals and get closer together over time.
  • Increasing Intensity: They typically grow stronger and more intense, and resting or changing positions doesn't ease their intensity.
  • Pain and Discomfort: The pain usually starts in the back and moves to the front of the abdomen.
Stages of Labor and Contractions
  1. Early Labor: Contractions during this stage are mild to moderate and can last 30 to 45 seconds, occurring every 5 to 20 minutes.
  2. Active Labor: Contractions become stronger, lasting about 40 to 60 seconds, and occur every 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Transition Phase: The most intense phase, contractions last up to 90 seconds and occur nearly every minute.
Managing Contractions
  • Breathing Techniques: Proper breathing can help manage pain and keep you relaxed.
  • Movement and Positioning: Walking, swaying, or changing positions can help ease discomfort.
  • Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated and having light snacks (if allowed) can maintain your energy levels.
  • Pain Management: Discuss pain relief options with your healthcare provider, including medications or epidurals.
When to Go to the Hospital
  • Regular, Intense Contractions: If contractions are about five minutes apart, lasting for a minute, and continue for an hour, it's typically time to head to the hospital.
  • Water Breaks: If your water breaks, even without contractions, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
  • Other Signs: Signs like significant vaginal bleeding or decreased fetal movement should prompt immediate medical attention.
Q&A for Expecting Mothers
  1. How can I differentiate between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions?
  2. Is it normal to experience contractions before my due date?
  3. Can I manage contractions at home during early labor?
  4. When should I start timing contractions?
  5. Are contractions the only sign of labor?
Contractions are a key aspect of the childbirth process, and understanding them can significantly aid in preparing for labor.
Recognizing the type and pattern of contractions will help you determine the right time to go to the hospital and when to implement pain management strategies.
Always stay in close communication with your healthcare provider to ensure a safe and healthy delivery experience.
M
Marley Ray
5 Jan 2024

Came in for contractions, were dilated to a 3 and having consistent contractions 3-5 minutes apart. They’re gonna monitor for a couple hours and go from there!

17 comments
A
Arianna
Best of luck ! Can I ask what do your contractions feel like? I’m currently having trouble with determining if I’m getting Braxton hicks or contractions 😭 idk if I need to go into the hospital
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Amberly
Oooooooo girl!
27 Mar 2024

Answer


M
Myiah
9 Sep 2023

Got to Labor and delivery 4cm 😮‍💨🫣 contractions are full throttle 😭🥺 #contractions #almostbabytime

1 comments
S
Sasha
Sending you Prayers and strength! 💗
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

A
Ashley
19 Jul 2023

Anyone else’s contractions/ Braxton Hicks feel like pressure in your chest along with your abdomen tightening? #braxtonhicks #contractions #33weeks #help

1 comments
M
Megan
Yes. Makes my chest feel really tight and a tad hard to breathe
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

L
Lucyyy
30 Jun 2023

Is is okay for a doctor to send you home when you having strong contractions? They told me I was having contractions my pelvic is very closed to open but it’s not open but they send me home with contractions I’m at home crying

4 comments
C
Crystal
Maybe you wasn't dilated enough?
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Ashton
Yes most hospitals will send you home even if your having bad contractions if your not dilated because it can still take a few weeks for you to dilate ...they are most likely still Braxton hick contractions at this stage ❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer


R
Raven Angel
12 Apr 2023

38wks4ds and my contractions go from 3-5 minutes apart lasting about 35sec each (regular) to not having contractions or having (irregular) contractions 🤷🏽‍♀️😮‍💨

1 comments
K
Kenzi
That’s a good sign!!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

A
Angel
21 Mar 2023

CHECK IT OUT!!! Telling us the difference between Braxton hick contractions and labor contractions - https://www.instagram.com/reel/CmxNnRZqQ_4/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

1 comments
J
Jermerica
Thx for the info
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

J
Jessica
26 Feb 2023

Contractions after having a C-section is such a joke, I though I was going to miss out on all the fun of contractions 🤷🏼‍♀️

8 comments
X
Xena
Wait you're having contractions 😮 I never knew that's a thing.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
J
Jessica
Yah, it’s just my uterus shrinking back down but it’s very painful like a horrible period cramp.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


🌜
🌜✨Yaya✨🎄
14 Dec 2022

From midnight to 5am with contractions every 7 min. Went to the Dr, did NST, and contractions said Bye. Whoever is in charge of my Contractions button needs to be fired. 😂

3 comments
M
M4M4B34R
Fiirrrrrrrreeeeeeddddddd
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
🌜
🌜✨Yaya✨🎄
yes, F second chances 😂
27 Mar 2024

Answer


M
Martesia
26 Sep 2022

Contractions been going on all morning😩. Painful contractions at that😭. When I stand up I feel pressure pressing down in my vagina. Lower back & my whole stomach with these strong contractions aren't no joke 😵. I'm 31 weeks 3 days. I'll be 8 months this Friday 💙.

8 comments
C
Cassandra Gineo
U should go get checked cause the baby can come
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
B
Becky
I would call dr, it's early.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


J
Jessica
2 Jun 2022

Well moms im having contractions and ladies them contractions dont play...i have dilated again to 4cm n my contractions at 3 to 5 mins apart n i might be having a baby soon

5 comments
M
Miame
I believe u definitely are
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
J
Jessica
they sended me home cause i didnt dilate nomore but to 4cm
27 Mar 2024

Answer