The contractions. One of the biggest fears of pregnant women. Concern par excellence for future new mothers. This unrest is reflected in doubts and questions such as:“Will I know how to identify the contractions?”, “Will I be able to bear the pain of the contractions?”, “Do the contractions tell me that I am in labor?” Irrationally, contractions are usually associated with the moment of childbirth, as if they were a kind of “prelude to delivery.” But… did you know that different types of contractions occur throughout pregnancy? In this article we try to resolve all your doubts. Keep reading!
What are contractions?
Contractions are forces that are essential in propelling the baby from the uterus to the outside through the birth canal. Let’s not forget that The uterus is a muscle that contracts automatically with each contraction, which is why it is impossible to control. You’ll know you’re having a contraction when your abdomen tightens.The contractions They are produced thanks to hormones such as oxytocin and the prostaglandins. Curiosity! Did you know that seminal fluid contains prostaglandins? Hence to maintain sexuality in pregnancy Not only is it not “prohibited” but it is also advisable as long as the gynecologist does not consider otherwise.
Types of contractions
“Do you only feel contractions when the time of delivery is approaching?”No.There are different types of contractions throughout pregnancy .“Do all contractions feel the same?”No.Each one has aspecific functionand is evidenced by a characteristic sensation.
Of course it goes without saying that every woman is special and pain is subjective. It is influenced by aspects such as fear in pregnancy, anxiety, uncertainty in the face of the unknown, etc. Hence how important it is to work emotional health during pregnancyand the important role that the couple plays in this process. Learn how pregnancy affects the couple. Let’s see the differences between all of them.Braxton Hicks or “false” contractions
They are named in honor of the British gynecologist who discovered them. They are thefirst contractions that appear in pregnancy, specifically between weeks 20 and 25 (although for some women they are imperceptible until late in pregnancy). How are you going to notice them? When you notice how you belly it gets very hard because the muscles of your uterus have contracted. In this way the muscles of the uterus prepare for “real” contractions. Don’t confuse them with the kicks!Are they painful? No, but may resultannoying.They are producedirregularly, do not intensify over time and subside slowly. They usually occur at the end of the day or after making some effort. The sensation is like a cramp or mild menstruation pain. In the face of this type of contractions, action can be taken by reducing physical exercise in the third trimester, avoiding clothing that compresses the abdomen, resting and lying on the left side, not carrying weight and avoiding stress.
Premature contractions
Arepainful and intense and are producedbefore week 36of pregnancy. They may be accompanied by vaginal discharge and/or back pain and appear at increasingly shorter and more frequent intervals .
It is important to take extreme precautions due to the possibility of early delivery, resulting in a premature child. Remember that You can ask our midwife for help if you have any questions related to this type of contractions. so she can give you information from her point of view.
Prepartum contractions
They are thepre-birth contractions(parturition prodromes). As the pregnancy progresses, around week 36 you may begin to notice abdominal, back and groin pain. Don’t worry, nothing happens. You can interpret this as your body making final preparations for childbirth. Here you can read more about development of the fetus in the third trimester.
Yes and resemble Braxton Hicks contractions since They are not too painful or regular and they gradually subside until they disappear..
Labor contractions
They are unmistakable since they arestronger and more painful and intense. They occur in a rhythmic and regular manner and do not disappear, on the contrarythey last longer and longer. Pain is perceived as cramps or intense menstrual pain in the abdomen, lower back, and even the legs.They give rise toengagement contractionswhich are more painful. Because? Simple. The purpose is to place the baby in the correct and definitive position for birth.
After them appear the contractions of labor dilation at regular increasingly shorter intervals along with a progressive increase in intensity. Progressively, the diameter of the cervix opens and dilates. Now yes, you are delivery!
Later there arisepressure contractionsand with them… the desire to push will be irresistible! The objective is help baby position in the birth canal to be able to get outside. Here you can read more about pain in childbirth.
Later contractions or contractions
Once the baby comes out, is everything over? No. The placenta also has to come out. And how does it come out? Thanks to thelater contractions also known as afterpains. Are much weaker and sometimes imperceptible. His duration ranges between 10 and 15 minutes. Additionally, this type of contractions helps in the recovery of the uterus after the expulsion phase.
When to go to the hospital?
Some signs that labor is approaching are the expulsion of the mucous plug, the rupture of the amniotic sac, an increase in the frequency, pain and intensity of contractions, a greater sensation of pressure in the pelvis or dilation of the cervix. Here you can learn how to make perineal massage.
Do I have to run to the hospital?
You don’t have to go to the hospital with the first contractions. It is essential that Stay home as long as possible so that you are rested. Only when a dilation contraction lasts between a minute and a minute and a half or when you no longer feel comfortable and calm at home will it be time to go to the hospital to welcome your baby. It’s time to take the birth plan!
What if the amniotic sac ruptures?
With our online childbirth preparation classesYou will know the different stages that you will face and you will learn to control fears thanks to our multidisciplinary team.
Not only will you do physical exercise adapted to your personal circumstances, but you will also learn breathing techniques that will help you physically and mentally to arrive super prepared for this great moment.
