What most often frightens a young woman preparing to become a mother for the first time (or what is most often frightened of her)? The answer suggests itself - contractions. The anticipation of pain can cause more panic than the pain itself. And the closer the cherished deadline, the more obsessively this fear haunts you. The surest way to get rid of fear is to stop hiding from it and hiding it from yourself, to meet it face to face, to “talk” to it. Are you afraid of contractions? So let's figure out what it is.
What are contractions?
In medical terms, birth pains- these are involuntary regular contractions of the uterus, along with pushing, related to labor forces expelling the fetus. Contractions indicate that labor has begun. (In addition to contractions, the onset of labor may be indicated by symptoms such as effusion amniotic fluid and the release of the mucus plug covering the lumen of the cervix 1; the mucous plug can come off 2-3 days before birth, so its removal does not always mean that it’s time to go to the maternity hospital). Many works have been written about what actually triggers the onset of labor. While differing in particulars, all researchers agree on the main thing: the organisms of mother and child, being in close interaction, seem to “agree” and transmit the necessary impulses to each other. Shortly before labor begins, the woman's placenta and the baby's pituitary gland begin to produce specific substances (in particular prostaglandins and the hormone oxytocin) that cause contractions of the uterine muscles, called contractions. During pregnancy, the cervix is tightly closed. With the onset of labor pains, its opening begins: the cervix of the uterus gradually expands to 10-12 cm in diameter (full opening). Birth canal preparing to “release” the child from the mother’s womb. Intrauterine pressure increases during contractions as the uterus itself contracts in volume. Ultimately, this leads to rupture of the membranes and the release of part of the amniotic fluid. If this coincides in time with the complete opening of the uterine pharynx, they speak of timely rupture of water, but if the uterine pharynx at the time of rupture of the membranes did not open enough, such rupture is called early. The first, preparatory, period of labor takes on average 12 hours if a woman is giving birth for the first time, and 2-4 hours less for those who are not having their first birth. At the beginning of the second stage of labor (the period of expulsion of the fetus), the contractions are joined by pushing - contractions of the muscles of the abdominal wall and diaphragm. In addition to the fact that they participate in contractions and attempts different groups muscles, they have one more important difference: contractions are an involuntary and uncontrollable phenomenon, neither their strength nor frequency depend on the woman in labor, while attempts are to a certain extent subordinate to her will, she can delay or intensify them.
What to expect from contractions?
Feelings during contractions vary from person to person. Sometimes the first tremors are felt in the lumbar region, then spread to the abdomen and become encircling. Pulling sensations may also occur in the uterus itself, and not in the lumbar region. Pain during contractions(if you cannot relax or find a comfortable position), resembles the pain that often accompanies menstrual bleeding. However, you should not be afraid of contractions. You can often hear from women who have given birth that their contractions were either completely painless, or the pain was quite tolerable. First, during contractions the body releases its own painkillers. In addition, relaxation and proper breathing techniques learned during pregnancy can help relieve pain. And finally, there are medicinal methods pain relief, however, they are recommended to be used only in extreme cases, since they all affect the baby to one degree or another. Real (and not false - see below) “expelling forces” approach with regular intervals. At first, the intervals between contractions are about half an hour, and sometimes more; the contraction of the uterus itself lasts 5-10 seconds. Gradually, the frequency, intensity and duration of contractions increase. The most intense and lasting (and sometimes - although not always - painful) are the last contractions that precede pushing. When to go to the maternity hospital? In the case of the first birth (and if the maternity hospital is not far from the hospital), you can wait until the interval between contractions is reduced to 5-7 minutes. If a clear interval between contractions has not yet been established, but the pain intensifies and becomes longer and longer, then it’s still time to go to the maternity hospital. If the birth is repeated, then with the onset of regular contractions it is better to immediately go to the maternity hospital (often repeated births are characterized by rapidity, so it is better not to delay) 2. With the onset of contractions, mucous discharge with a slight admixture of blood may appear - this is the same mucus plug that “clogs” the entrance to the uterus. Blood (in small quantity) enters the mucus due to effacement and dilatation of the cervix. This is a natural process that should not be alarmed, but if there is heavy bleeding, immediate examination is necessary.
True or false?
It is worth keeping in mind that after the 20th week of pregnancy, some (not all) women experience so-called false contractions, or Braxton-Hicks contractions, and 2-3 weeks before giving birth, women begin to feel precursor contractions. Neither one nor the other, unlike true contractions, lead to dilatation of the cervix. arise pulling sensations in the lower abdomen or lower back, the uterus seems to turn to stone - if you put your hand on your stomach, you can clearly feel it. The same thing actually happens when labor pains, therefore, Braxton Hicks and precursors are often confused by women giving birth for the first time. How can you tell if labor is really starting and it’s time to go to the hospital, or if these are just false contractions?
- Braxton Hicks contractions, unlike true labor contractions, are rare and irregular. Contractions last up to a minute and can be repeated after 4-5 hours.
- False contractions are painless. Walking or a warm bath most often helps to completely relieve discomfort. The role of false contractions has not yet been fully clarified. Their appearance is associated with increased excitability of the uterus; it is believed that shortly before childbirth, precursor contractions contribute to the softening and shortening of the cervix.
What to do during contractions?
It has been noticed that the more scared a pregnant woman is, the less she knows about what is happening to her and what is ahead of her, the more difficult, longer and more painful her birth is. Even in the very recent past, the phrase “preparing for childbirth” seemed complete nonsense in Russia. Fortunately, for last decade There have been qualitative changes in this area - many courses and schools have been opened to prepare for childbirth, where this important event Not only future mothers, but also future fathers are preparing. Enough books have been published. And most importantly, the psychology has changed. Now, if not all, then most women understand that they need to prepare for childbirth, like for any difficult and important work. And the main goal of such preparation is to get rid of fear and pain. What do experts usually recommend to make contractions as easy and painless as possible? As already mentioned, you will not be able to control the frequency and strength of contractions; this does not depend on you. But you can completely help yourself and your child survive these contractions.
- At first, when contractions have just begun, it is better not to lie down, but to move: this will speed up the process of opening of the uterine pharynx, and therefore shorten the time of labor.
- Concentrate calmly and try to find the body position in which you are most comfortable.
- Feel free to get down on all fours, lie on a big beach ball, or even... dance around. Believe me, no one would even think of judging you for extravagance.
- Circular and rocking movements of the pelvis help relieve tension and reduce pain.
- If possible, try to sleep between contractions, or at least “pretend to be asleep” (this will help your body relax).
- You can lie down for about ten minutes in a bath with warm water - of course, if you are not alone in the apartment and they can help you if necessary.
- Lightly stroking the skin of the lower abdomen with your fingertips eases contractions at the beginning of the journey.
- As the contraction begins, you need to inhale and direct the movement of your arms from the midline to the sides; as you exhale, your arms move in the opposite direction.
- When contractions intensify, strong and frequent pressure helps relieve pain. thumbs hands on points in the area of the anterior superior iliac spines (these are the most forward parts of the pelvis).
- Place your hands comfortably with your palms along your hips. Massage of the sacral area of the spine is very useful. It is effective not only at the beginning of contractions, but also throughout the entire time that expelling forces are operating in your body.
- As contractions intensify, it becomes increasingly important correct breathing 3
But the most important thing is to tune in, listen to your own feelings and... remember about the child. You both have difficult work ahead of you, but the result will be a meeting!
Tatiana Kipriyanova
First contractions I recognized it with difficulty. The fact is that they were very similar to “training” contractions - the so-called “Braxton-Hicks contractions” that haunted me almost every evening since the 7th month. And at first I couldn’t understand whether it was still them or the beginning of labor. It feels like the stomach below is freezing, then “letting go”. The intervals between contractions were uneven: sometimes after 20 minutes, sometimes after 5; but still they walked regularly (longer than two hours) - this influenced the decision to go to the maternity hospital after all. The first contractions were quite tolerable - just a feeling of slight discomfort. There were significant gaps between them, which made it possible to relax, and I even began to doubt that I was really giving birth. Upon arrival at the maternity hospital, an examination showed a cervical dilatation of 1 cm. When the bladder was punctured (by the way, it did not hurt at all), the contractions became more effective, the pain became quite noticeable, the intervals were approximately 5-10 minutes (dilatation 4 cm). I used to have quite painful periods, and this pain seemed similar to menstrual pain. Over the next hours (the child moved towards the exit) the pain became stronger and stronger. It was hard. I was helped a little by the lower back massage that my husband did, and the breathing that I read about in books (the medical staff also suggested how to breathe better). When the pain became simply unbearable, attempts began (by the way, I have heard more than once from others that when you feel that the limit has come and you can no longer endure the pain, it means that everything will end soon). Attempts are easy to recognize - you involuntarily begin to push (I could compare this process to the urge to go to the toilet). Pushing is also a painful thing, but the cardiographic machine began to listen poorly to the baby’s heart, and I had to give birth as quickly as possible. Therefore, after about the fifth attempt, I already gave birth to my boy (not without an episitomy). The whole process took us 12 hours (this was my first birth).
Anna Goncharova
The contractions were similar to a very strong and painful menstruation. At first they were very weak, and I didn’t even feel any discomfort. It felt like a very mild (not painful) spasm inside my abdomen. The contractions became painful only after four hours. And it reminded me most of all of painful menstruation. But it was very painful only for about an hour. It was possible to endure, but with difficulty. My husband helped a lot. Even at the most intense moment the pain was not constant. Everything happened approximately every 5 minutes. At first the pain grew quickly, reached a maximum and then disappeared just as quickly. Each contraction took about two minutes. For about three minutes there was no pain at all! The worst thing for me was at the moment a new contraction began - when it still doesn’t hurt, but you understand that everything has started all over again. Unpleasant, but tolerable. And only one hour. As soon as I was allowed to push, the pain stopped. I didn’t have any more pain, which is sometimes written about (in the lower back, or somewhere else). By the time the contractions started, I was already in the maternity hospital, so I immediately went to the doctor, and the doctor confirmed that childbirth started. The doctor and midwife told me when to start pushing. It didn't hurt at all, and giving birth didn't hurt at all. Although they made an incision, I didn’t notice it at all. In general, I remember childbirth very well, but the pain is forgotten very quickly. I remember rather with pleasure - and first of all all sorts of funny moments. There was no feeling of horror and “never again” at all. Maybe because there was a good maternity hospital and I gave birth with my husband!
Elizaveta Samoletova
Unfortunately, to childbirth I was psychologically completely unprepared. Therefore, already in the delivery room (I was in the hospital for safekeeping), I felt that my stomach hurt very badly, and I was scared. Of course, “theoretically” I knew that contractions were coming, but I had little idea what they were. Of course, there was no question of counting the intervals between contractions (this was suggested by the midwife, who was sitting nearby at the table and writing something). It seemed to me that I was dying, and in a weakening voice I asked for help. C-section. For some reason the midwife laughed cheerfully. I ask: “Are you laughing?” And she told me: “According to my calculations, every second woman in labor asks for a caesarean section.” I suffered for about an hour. I was very offended that the people who were around (nurses, midwives, heads of departments and even some trainees, to whom I was shown as an example of “an old primigravida with a somewhat narrowed pelvis”) took my suffering for granted and as if nothing was wrong sometimes they tried to talk to me about some boring everyday topics (they asked where I work, where I got such a strange last name and what I would name my unborn child). And when my stomach started to hurt especially badly, the midwife came up and mockingly (as it seemed to me then) told me how I should breathe. When the efforts began, it became easier and even, I would say, more interesting, because the “result of labor” was about to appear. He appeared. It contained 3 kg 600 g. Then I apologized to the doctors, but they laughed again and said that almost everyone behaves like me. And I decided that I would prepare for the next birth long and seriously.
1 You can read in detail about the symptoms of the onset of labor, their periodization and course in No. 4/2001: L. Komissarova.
2 We also recommend reading the article by N. Zaretskaya in No. 1/2001 of the magazine “9 MONTHS”.
3 On the technique of proper breathing during childbirth, which is recommended to be mastered during pregnancy, see: E. Pechnikova, No. 7-8/2001.
Pregnant women are most afraid of contractions, especially those who have not given birth before and only know about contractions from the stories of “experienced” women. And what do women in labor usually tell about this phenomenon (or, most likely, what do all pregnant women willingly and undeniably believe in)? Firstly, contractions are the beginning of labor - and this is a correct statement (although not completely, since there are so-called “false contractions”). Secondly, almost all women in labor remember the incredible pain during labor (although in fact few people remember this pain, since it is forgotten and cannot be compared with anything) and most importantly, all pregnant women are in the last trimester of pregnancy ( or even much earlier!”) expect painful contractions. And try to tell them that your contractions were almost painless and that in fact not everything is so scary - they will never believe it. Moreover, already at the beginning of pregnancy they will agree with the doctor about labor pain relief.
Fortunately, there are few such pessimists, and most expectant mothers still expect “tolerable” pain, although they fear the contractions before childbirth. Ignorance is always scary, and, as a rule, contractions certainly do not come of our own free will (unless, of course, we resort to inducing labor). So how do these contractions begin? How not to lose sight of them? And what actually lies in this “terrible word”?
What does it feel like when contractions start?
Contractions are called contractions because they cause a feeling of grasping, sharp compression. When it comes to the upcoming birth, cramping sensations naturally arise in the hip joints.
In fact, contractions are a very complex “biochemical process”, since they involve the baby’s pituitary gland and the placenta itself, which begin to produce special substances, which in turn contribute to the opening of the cervix, which is accompanied by contractions.
During contractions, the uterus contracts, its muscle fibers thicken and shorten, which helps open the cervix to the extent that the baby's head can squeeze through it. Full dilatation is recorded when the cervix is dilated by 12 cm, and the intrauterine pressure also increases, as a result of which the amniotic sac ruptures and the amniotic fluid drains.
How to know if contractions have started
When can a pregnant woman expect contractions? We've all heard about the threats premature birth, which also begin with contractions, but along with these signs of impending labor, the woman also detects other symptoms. In any case, cramping pain requires the expectant mother to special attention. Practice shows that the contractions themselves and the sensations during them are different for all women. Even false contractions, which doctors love to talk about, are not noticed by all pregnant women. Moreover, the expectant mother can only find out about real labor pains when she has a desire to push. We have also heard about rapid labor, when contractions can no longer be confused with anything.
Ideally, everything happens something like this: starting from the 20th week of pregnancy, the body begins to “rehearse” the upcoming birth by contracting the muscles of the uterus. The woman feels that something is wrong with the uterus: it turns to stone and relaxes with chaotic frequency. So, a woman can “grab” for a whole minute, then the pain subsides and disappears without a trace, and soon resumes, but the regularity of such contractions cannot be noted. We are talking about false contractions - harbingers of the upcoming birth. But not all women experience this condition, and their labor begins on time with real contractions.
How to recognize them? Again, ideally, the first contractions go unnoticed by the woman, except that very little discomfort is felt in the abdomen or lower back, and a strong premonition that childbirth is about to take place (it’s difficult for women’s intuition to find an explanation, but almost every woman subconsciously knows : it's time!).
Gradually, the second, active, phase of contractions begins, when they occur at a precise interval, which is shortened all the time: cramping attacks are repeated more and more often, last longer, not only the frequency and duration increases, but also the degree of pain. This goes on until one contraction lasts more than two minutes, and the second occurs after 60 seconds. At this time, you should already be in the maternity hospital, because in 30-40 minutes the birth itself will begin. The last stage of contractions is the most painful, as the woman has an overwhelming feeling of going big. But if the uterus is not open, she will have to hold back her efforts so as not to harm herself and the baby.
What to do if contractions start
When the first contractions begin, you should stop any activities and try to rest. Many people find it helpful to walk around the room; others sit down and stand up. As soon as the contractions intensify and begin to repeat more often, immediately go to the maternity hospital. Particularly suspicious people may go to the hospital earlier.
Don't worry about anything: the doctor delivering the baby knows exactly what to do and when. If it’s too early to push, he will certainly notify you about it.
The main thing now is to relax as much as possible. No matter how paradoxical it may sound, try to let go of all worries and fears. Panic will not lead to anything good, and, strictly speaking, there is nothing to be afraid of. The birth you've been waiting for so long begins. There are only a few hours left before meeting the baby. Whether you can help him overcome the difficult path into this world now depends on you. Breathe evenly and deeply, trying to relax and “let go” of the pain. Excessive muscle tension will increase painful sensations, and therefore it is important to relax them as much as possible now.
Listen to your body, remember breathing techniques during labor - use them as you go different periods birth process. Shallow “dog” breathing will help restore strength and not harm the child between attempts. At the doctor’s command, smoothly take a full breath of air so that in the next minute you can push productively.
Think about the baby, you just have to calm down, tune in to a productive birth and listen carefully to the instructions of the medical staff.
Is the pain during contractions terrible?
So we ourselves scared you by describing the “most painful” last stage of labor. I myself was waiting for it and was afraid more than the birth itself, but I was never able to understand why women in labor were crying and screaming so much, because it turned out that the pain was tolerable, moreover, even pleasant. You may not believe it, but the pain during contractions was quenched by the thought that this is how one is born little man, my little blood.
It turns out that my feelings were scientifically confirmed. In fact, labor pain is not hidden in the uterus, since its contraction is a natural process, which means that pain receptors (and there are very few of them in the muscles of the uterus) do not give a signal to the brain about any violations (the meaning of any pain is precisely consists in “notifying” the body of “problems”). But the real feeling of pain arises in the muscles that surround the uterus, and in order to overcome it, it is only important to learn to control their relaxation, since muscle tension interferes with the normal physiological course of labor. Moreover, fear, anxiety and worry aggravate muscle tension. Hence the simple conclusion: a pregnant woman who is afraid of childbirth experiences great pain from the first contractions. But many women do not even know what labor pain and pain during contractions are, so learn to properly tune yourself to the inevitable process - childbirth, namely, know how to relax; do not waste your energy, as you will need it during the period of expulsion of the fetus; talk to your baby; don’t try to overcome the pain, but simply take it for granted.
I think that if you consciously prepare for the process of childbirth, then you will not need information about epidurals, nitrous oxide with oxygen, promedol and other ways to relieve pain from contractions and childbirth.
If contractions don't come
As always, there is also back side medals: a woman waits for contractions, waits, but they never come, even after the pregnancy has expired. We have to stimulate them. Contractions will be artificially induced if they do not appear at 41-42 weeks of pregnancy, and the fetus is found to have any abnormalities that threaten its life. The most common methods of inducing labor: injection of Cerviprost into the cervical canal ( hormonal drug, which softens the cervix); intravenous administration of a hormonal drug (also promotes uterine contraction); opening of the amniotic sac (after which contractions begin).
Do not rush to “try on” the worst of yourself. Believe that everything will happen for you naturally, without pain, without complications, and most importantly - without fear. A woman ready for childbirth will immediately understand: here they are, contractions! Just a little more - and the most desired treasure will appear!
Especially for Tanya Kivezhdiy
Many expectant mothers are concerned that they will not be able to recognize the onset of labor in a timely manner. Therefore, they are concerned about what sensations arise at this moment. How not to confuse false contractions and beginning labor? What pains arise at this most cherished moment of the birth of a child?
The expectant mother should know the answers to all questions.
Before starting to describe contractions, every mother should know what they are.
Contractions are a kind of contraction of the muscles of the uterus with its further relaxation. At the beginning labor activity contractions begin to intensify, which allows the baby to move along the birth canal.
Every woman's body is unique. Therefore, all sensations during contractions will vary. Also, feelings during the birth process, of which contractions are a component, are different for each organism. But what unites them is a wonderful result - the birth of a new person.
The contraction begins at the upper point of the uterus and gradually spreads throughout all its muscles. In general, such sensations resemble tension in muscle fibers, which gradually begin to weaken. At the very beginning, the onset of contractions is rarely painful. Rather, to a greater extent, for a woman in labor it is a feeling of discomfort.
In some pregnant women it is accompanied the beginning of contractions feeling pain in the lumbar region. Most often, this is caused by the fact that the child turns his face towards the spine and moves the back of his head.
For a woman giving birth for the first time, such sensations are unfamiliar. But pregnant women who have already walked this path will not confuse this condition with anything. As already noted, each woman experiences contractions differently. Some feel muscle relaxation, some experience lower back pain, while others experience all the symptoms and sensations of menstruation.
During this period, contractions do not cause the woman much anxiety, so it is better to relax and try to rest before the upcoming birth. For the quick and correct birth of a child, the mother will need to devote maximum effort. After all, the speed of progress largely depends on the woman herself.
But what unites them all is regularity. The first contractions can occur at intervals of half an hour or more. Gradually the gap between them will decrease.
- Regularity of occurrence;
- Constantly decreasing the interval between each contraction;
- There is a gradual increase in pain.
The fights just before childbirth gradually become much more intense and longer. At first they are mild in nature and last a short time. The pain increases and is felt stronger, and the contractions become more and more prolonged and painful.
Just before birth, contractions last about a minute, and the intervals between them become short.
Almost every woman periodically begins to feel attempts, she wants to constantly go to the toilet. As many mothers say, this feeling cannot be confused with anything; you always get the feeling that a watermelon will appear as a result.
Many mothers who have given birth say that their uterus turned to stone during labor. This can be easily felt if you place your hand on the surface of the abdomen. Before the birth process begins, pain is felt, mostly in the lumbar region and lower abdomen.
Contractions during childbirth are very rapid and the most painful. Even though some claim that for them there was no severe pain, just a feeling of discomfort, like during menstruation.
But still, one or another painful sensation will be present in everyone, this is natural and normal. Only during childbirth can pain be aggravated by improper preparation of the mother and her behavior.
During childbirth, contractions become as intense as possible. When the uterus is fully dilated, contractions begin to follow one another. The period of relaxation becomes almost unnoticeable. Under the influence of emotions, often, a woman can no longer simply notice him. It seems to her that a new contraction begins immediately after the end of the previous one.
Most often, during strong contractions, a woman has the desire to push. Such attempts in response to contractions they talk about the final process of contractions - expulsion. The pain in the lower back and lower abdomen begins to subside. And all the painful sensations move to the perineal area.
Throughout pregnancy, a woman may feel mild contractions that occur during physical activity or sudden movements. Closer to childbirth they may intensify.
Also, shortly before giving birth, a woman may experience training contractions. They are often called false. Many are afraid that they cannot be distinguished from the real ones. But don’t panic, as such concepts are difficult to confuse.
From the reviews of women who have already given birth, for example, relatives or friends, you can get an approximate picture of the sensations during false contractions. During the occurrence of such contractions, discomfort may be felt in the lumbar region and lower abdomen. As many say, training contractions very similar to the symptoms that are present during menstruation. Gynecologists very often warn women during consultations that false contractions can also appear during sleep. The child is usually calm in such situations and his activity is not felt.
In most cases, maternal instinct tells a woman that she should not worry. And the contractions themselves last no more than a minute. Most often they occur approximately a month before the upcoming birth.
More details description of sensations You can learn about each type of contraction by watching the video:
In conclusion, I would like to note that the expectant mother should not get too carried away with particularly scary options for describing the upcoming birth. According to experienced obstetricians, severe pain occurs in women who are tense, in constant fear and do not adhere to previously received recommendations on behavior during childbirth.
It is necessary to go to give birth with good mood, being emotionally attuned, because the birth of a child is a great joy.
Do you understand what contractions feel like? You can read about the experiences of others on the forum. Leave your opinion or review for everyone.
The first pregnancy is the most exciting time for every woman, because it is filled with new sensations, events and worries. In order for childbirth to go smoothly, you need to prepare for it in advance, learn more about the process itself, because, as they say, forewarned is forearmed. And of course, expectant mother There are a lot of questions about this, but most often women are interested in this point: how to understand that contractions are starting? There are some signs, the so-called harbingers of labor, by which one can judge that contractions will soon begin, and then the process of expulsion of the fetus itself.
Signs of approaching labor
Although a woman will have to bear a child for nine months, does she already begin to worry about issues related to the birth of a child? How do you know when contractions are starting? How to prepare for them and not miss them? It often happens that labor begins suddenly and takes the expectant mother by surprise. But if you prepare in advance for this process and learn more about it, you can understand when the birth of the baby will begin. For example, changes such as increased frequency of urination, prolapse of the abdomen, periodic contractions of the uterus, changes in mood and appetite, and the release of a mucus plug may be
The main symptom is contractions, which are accompanied by the discharge of amniotic fluid. Contractions are the contraction of the muscles of the uterus, during which the cervix opens, facilitating the passage of the child through the mother’s birth canal. In this case, aching pain appears in the lower abdomen, similar to pain during menstruation. You can also feel the child pressing on and tingling in this area. The tone of the uterus increases, and the stomach becomes very hard, and the lower back begins to hurt. Similar sensations may occur at the end of the period during training contractions. How to understand that these are not real ones?
Training (false) contractions
The woman may feel uterine contractions. But don’t worry, you need to listen to your body, because these contractions may be false. In this way, the uterus “trains,” preparing the expectant mother’s body for the upcoming birth. How can you tell if contractions are training and not real? There are several differences that can help you understand what kind of contractions these are and whether you should go to the maternity hospital.
Training contractions:
Prenatal (real) contractions:
- contractions occur at regular intervals, with the frequency of contractions increasing and the interval between them becoming shorter;
- the first contractions can last only 30 seconds, but then their duration increases;
- the time between contractions may initially be about 15 minutes, then this interval constantly decreases, reaching up to one minute;
- After taking a warm bath or shower, contractions become more regular and painful.
In this regard, the question “How can you tell when contractions are starting?” You can answer this way: you need to monitor the duration of contractions and the intervals between them or take a bath, this way you can understand whether these contractions are false or real.
Helpful information
No less important sign the onset of labor is the release of amniotic fluid. They can move away before the contractions begin, then you should immediately get ready for the maternity hospital. It may also be that the contractions have already begun, but the waters have not yet broken, then the obstetrician himself punctures the bladder, this procedure is painless, but further stimulates labor. If everything is in order, then the amniotic fluid should be transparent, but if it is brown or green, then you should immediately seek medical help.
How to understand that contractions are starting is not very difficult, you can’t confuse this with anything. The main thing is not to panic, watch your breathing and try to relax, this will help reduce pain, and after childbirth you will quickly forget it. You need to think about the most important thing - about the baby who is about to be born, about the first time you take him in your arms and press him to your chest. For the sake of this moment, you can be patient a little.
When the time of birth approaches, a pregnant woman begins to worry and worry: how and when everything will happen, how successful the delivery process will be... Also, many women are afraid of contractions. Indeed, they can be quite painful, although contractions during pregnancy and the sensations during them are quite individual.
The cervix is a muscular ring that is normally closed around the os of the uterus. Longitudinal smooth muscles extending from this ring form the walls of the uterus. As labor approaches, the fetal pituitary gland and placenta begin to produce special substances - childbirth provocateurs(for example, the hormone oxytocin), under the influence of which the uterine pharynx opens to 10-12 cm in diameter.
Contractions during pregnancy
The uterus contracts in volume, intrauterine pressure increases, and all these factors contribute to the fact that the baby begins to move along the birth canal. Under the influence of hormones, the cervix relaxes, smoothes out from weak contractions, and opens from strong contractions.
False contractions during pregnancy
By the way, have you ever heard of false contractions? They are also called training contractions during pregnancy or Braxton Hicks contractions. They are similar to real contractions: the uterus also becomes toned, and you can even feel it - but the cervix does not open and labor does not begin.
False contractions during pregnancy are a kind of training for the body before the onset of labor; they usually begin several weeks before birth. However, their complete absence is not a pathology: women who have not experienced training contractions during pregnancy give birth no less successfully than those who are familiar with this phenomenon.
How to distinguish real contractions from false ones? As a rule, this question is asked only by first-time mothers: more experienced mothers they already know that the real ones cannot be confused with anything. Training contractions take place irregularly, randomly, with varying durations and frequencies. Doctors recommend that expectant mothers calm down, relax, take a warm shower and drink juice or warm milk.
If contractions become periodic, their intensity increases, and the intervals between them decrease—most likely, labor begins.
Contractions during pregnancy: sensations
If you are giving birth for the first time, contractions may last from 5 to 12 hours. In multiparous women, this period is usually 2-4 hours shorter. They also join the fights attempts- contractions of the muscles of the diaphragm and abdominal wall. They involve different muscle groups than during contractions.
But the main difference between pushing and contractions is that pushing is at least to some extent amenable to volitional control on the part of the woman in labor (she can strengthen or, conversely, delay them), while the process of contractions cannot be controlled with all the desire.
The pain during contractions is vaguely reminiscent of the pain experienced during menstrual bleeding. For those who usually have painful periods, such pain will seem quite tolerable and familiar.
There is no need to be panicky about contractions: firstly, during childbirth, a woman’s body produces painkillers. Secondly, there are many ways to self-help during childbirth, which we will discuss below. And finally, as a last resort, doctors will use medications to relieve pain.
Start of contractions
How do contractions begin? Most often, real contractions begin after the release of a plug - mucus, which, throughout pregnancy, seems to clog the cervix, protecting it from infections entering the body. Therefore, when large quantity mucous membranes bloody discharge call an ambulance immediately.
Contractions occur at precise intervals (at first it is 30-35 minutes, but then the pause time between contractions is reduced). The first contractions last from 1 minute, and then last longer and longer.
So, contractions have begun, the sensations during them are quite individual, but most women describe the beginning of contractions as tremors somewhere in the lumbar region. Then the pain moves to the stomach, becomes encircling, and there is a feeling as if the bones of the sacrum and pelvis are moving apart.
As long as the contractions are not too painful and not frequent (up to 5 minutes), there is no point in rushing to the maternity hospital: the first birth, as mentioned above, lasts a long time, and part of this time it is better to stay at home, slowly walking around the apartment. But if your water breaks, call an ambulance as soon as possible: during this period the risk of infection is high.
Breathing during contractions during pregnancy
It's time to remember everything that was said about breathing in prenatal training courses, because proper breathing during childbirth is very important: it helps the woman in labor relax, relieves pain, and ensures a full flow of oxygen to the fetus.
IN first period during labor (when contractions become regular), at the beginning and end of each contraction, inhale air through your nose and exhale through your mouth. At the peak of the contraction, breathe through your mouth, often and shallowly, but not for too long - such breathing may make you feel dizzy.
Breathing in second period depends on what the doctor or midwife tells you: push or, conversely, be patient (if the cervix is not yet fully dilated, you need to try to hold back your pushing, otherwise cervical swelling is possible). If you need to hold back your pushing, take two short breaths and then one long exhale. When the pushing stops, exhale slowly and evenly. If, on the contrary, you are told to push, you need to, feeling the urge to push, take a deep breath, lean forward and hold your breath. When the effort passes, try to breathe more evenly and deeply, relax, calm down.
How to relieve pain during contractions
Besides breathing exercises, there are many ways to relieve labor pain for a woman in labor. You must know how to help yourself. Obstetricians advise:
- in the intervals between contractions, it is better to walk rather than lie down; during contractions, take a comfortable body position;
- stay straight: in this position, the baby’s head rests against the cervix, contractions become stronger;
- in between contractions, relax to save your strength;
- try to distract yourself and not think about the pain - you can look at some object, etc.;
- focus on breathing to distract yourself from the pain;
- urinate more often to get full bladder did not interfere with the child's progress.
If your husband is next to you, ask him to massage your back and lower back: this will help relieve the pain. The massage is done with soft circular movements back side palms on the lower back, then, expanding the range of strokes, on the back. You can use talc.
What can you advise a man in this situation? The husband must be an intermediary between the wife and the medical staff - as a rule, in the presence of one of the relatives, the woman in labor is treated much more attentively. Take your spouse's side in everything: for example, if she asks for a painkiller. Encourage and support your wife in every possible way, even if she is irritated or does not pay any attention to you.
Pain relief during childbirth
If contractions become too painful, your doctor may prescribe pain medication. Do not be angry that you are forced to endure pain: any anesthesia is not completely harmless, and therefore is used only in extreme cases.
Types of pain relief during childbirth:
- Epidural anesthesia – relieves pain by blocking the nerves of the lower body. Used for severe back pain. It is not offered in every hospital, because it requires great skill of the anesthesiologist: the time must be calculated so that the effect of epidural anesthesia ceases by the second stage of labor, so as not to interfere with natural labor. Sometimes it is accompanied by trembling hands and weakness, but these are just mild side effects.
- Nitrous oxide with oxygen - a gas mixture used at the end of the 1st stage of labor. Reduces pain and causes a state of euphoria. Enters through a mask. You may feel nauseous or dizzy when inhaling.
- Promedol – also used in the 1st stage of labor. It begins to act after 20 minutes and is administered intramuscularly. It affects everyone differently, you may feel nauseous or unsteady, and some women in labor may feel drowsy.
- Electrical stimulation - a device that operates on weak impulses of electricity and affects the nerve endings leading to the uterus. 4 electrodes are applied to the back, the current strength is regulated by the remote control. Not every hospital has such a device.
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