Pregnancy is a transformative journey filled with many milestones, and one of the most significant events is labor. As the time to deliver your baby approaches, knowing what contractions are, how they feel, and how to differentiate between true labor contractions and false ones can help reduce anxiety. In this post, we’ll explore the answer to “What are contractions?”, what causes them, and how to recognize the signs of true labor.

What is a Contraction in Pregnancy?

In pregnancy, a contraction refers to the tightening and relaxing of the muscles of the uterus. These contractions help the cervix to open and allow the baby to move down the birth canal. Contractions are an essential part of labor, as they play a major role in delivering the baby. The uterus contracts to help push the baby out, and each contraction brings the body one step closer to delivery.

Throughout your pregnancy, you may experience different types of contractions. Some are early signs that the body is preparing for labor, while others are an indication that labor has begun.

Why Do You Experience Contractions in Pregnancy?

Contractions occur as the uterus prepares for childbirth. During labor, the muscles of your uterus tighten to help push your baby out of the womb. Each contraction causes the muscles to shorten and tighten, and this pressure helps to open the cervix, allowing the baby to move through the birth canal and enter the world.

Contractions also have the purpose of softening and dilating the cervix. The cervix must dilate (open up) to a certain degree in order for the baby to pass through during delivery. As your pregnancy progresses, contractions become more frequent and intense, signaling that your body is getting ready for labor.

What Do Pregnancy Contractions Feel Like?

The sensation of pregnancy contractions can vary widely among women and even between pregnancies. In the early stages of labor, contractions might feel like cramping or pressure in your lower abdomen. Some women describe them as feeling similar to severe menstrual cramps or the cramps that occur with diarrhea. The intensity of contractions increases as labor progresses, and you may find them increasingly difficult to talk through.

As contractions become more intense, you might feel pain that radiates through your abdomen, lower back, and even down your legs. Some women experience “back labor,” where pain is concentrated in the lower back. This can happen when the baby’s head presses against the spine during delivery.

The pain of a contraction can be mild at first, but as labor advances, the intensity increases, and the contractions may last longer. The closer you get to delivery, the more frequent and intense the contractions become. It’s important to note that contractions during labor usually get stronger and closer together as time progresses.

Types of Contractions in Pregnancy: Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor Contractions

Not all pregnancy contractions are a sign that labor is beginning. Many women experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are often referred to as “practice contractions.” These contractions occur as early as the second trimester and are generally irregular and infrequent. They are the body’s way of preparing for labor but don’t lead to actual delivery.

Braxton Hicks contractions tend to be mild and often feel like tightening in the belly. They can happen more frequently in the third trimester but are usually not a cause for concern. These contractions may disappear when you change positions or after drinking water.

True labor contractions, on the other hand, are regular and progressively get stronger and closer together. Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, true labor contractions do not stop with changes in position or hydration. As labor progresses, they will become more intense and may cause discomfort in your lower back as well as your abdomen.

You can track the timing of your contractions to help identify which type you are experiencing. True labor contractions generally follow a pattern and become closer together over time. If you’re uncertain whether you’re having Braxton Hicks or true labor contractions, you should contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

How to Identify the Signs of True Labor

Knowing how to recognize the signs of true labor is key to avoiding confusion and unnecessary trips to the hospital. As your contractions become more frequent and intense, they will likely be the first signs that true labor is beginning. However, there are other indicators that you should be aware of.

Signs of true labor include:

• Contractions that occur at regular intervals and gradually get closer together.
• Contractions that last longer and become more intense with time.
• A change in the consistency of your vaginal discharge, such as the appearance of a brown or reddish discharge, known as the “bloody show.”
• A sudden rush or trickle of fluid, which may indicate that your water has broken.

When Should You Go to the Hospital for Contractions?

One of the most common questions expectant mothers have is, “When should I go to the hospital for contractions?” As your due date approaches, it’s helpful to understand when it’s time to seek medical care. The general guideline for heading to the hospital is the 5-1-1 rule, which means:

• 5 minutes apart: Your contractions come every 5 minutes.
• 1 minute long: Each contraction lasts for 1 minute.
• 1 hour long: This pattern lasts for at least 1 hour.

Once contractions follow this pattern, it’s time to contact your doctor and head to the hospital. However, if you experience any other signs of labor such as a significant amount of bleeding, a gush of fluid (your water breaking), or a sudden decrease in your baby’s movements, you should seek immediate medical attention.

It’s always better to be safe and call your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.

How to Manage Contractions During Labor

Managing contractions during labor can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help you feel more comfortable as you work through the pain. It’s important to listen to your body and find what works best for you. Some women find comfort in breathing exercises, while others prefer different positions to relieve the pain.

Lying on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs can provide relief for some women. Moving around, such as walking or swaying, can also help distract you from the intensity of contractions. Your healthcare provider may also suggest pain management options such as an epidural or other medications to help make the process more manageable.

Additionally, having a support person with you during contractions can help ease the stress and offer physical and emotional support. Partners, family members, or doulas can assist in providing comfort, whether through massage, encouraging words, or simply being by your side.

Postpartum Contractions: What to Expect After Delivery

After delivery, many women continue to experience contractions, though these are usually less intense than labor contractions. These postpartum contractions, sometimes referred to as “afterpains,” occur as the uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size. They are common, especially for women who have had multiple pregnancies, and they can be more noticeable during breastfeeding due to the release of the hormone oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract.

Although postpartum contractions are a normal part of the recovery process, they can be uncomfortable. If you’re experiencing pain after childbirth, talk to your doctor about ways to manage it. Over-the-counter pain relievers and certain positions can help ease discomfort. It’s important to remember that this phase is temporary, and your body will gradually return to its normal state.

When to Seek Help for Contractions During Pregnancy

Although contractions are a natural part of pregnancy and childbirth, they can sometimes indicate a problem. If you experience contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy, this could be a sign of preterm labor, which requires immediate medical attention. Heavy bleeding, especially when accompanied by pain or cramping, is another serious symptom that should be evaluated by a doctor. Additionally, severe pain or discomfort that does not improve with rest or hydration should not be ignored, as it may signal a complication. Changes in your baby’s movement, such as a decrease in movements or an unusual pattern, also warrant a visit to your healthcare provider.

At Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine, we offer comprehensive pregnancy care services to help manage all aspects of pregnancy, including any complications related to contractions or labor. Our specialists are here to guide you through every step of the pregnancy and delivery process, ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout your journey.

Here’s why clients choose us:

• Expert Care: Led by highly skilled maternal-fetal medicine specialists, we offer advanced medical expertise for all aspects of pregnancy care, from routine check-ups to high-risk pregnancies.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the latest in 3D/4D ultrasound and other advanced diagnostic tools to monitor your baby’s development and your health.
• Comprehensive Support: From understanding what contractions feel like to preparing for labor, we are here to guide you through your pregnancy with compassion and professionalism.
• Personalized Birth Plans: We work with you to develop a birth plan that meets your needs and preferences, ensuring that your delivery experience is as smooth and positive as possible.

If you need support with any aspect of your pregnancy, schedule an appointment. Our team is here to help you feel confident and well-prepared for the exciting journey ahead.

Disclaimer: All information in this post should not be taken as medical advice. Patients should contact their healthcare provider before making any health decisions.