Causes, signs and treatment of false contractions during pregnancy. How to identify contractions before childbirth: signs of the difference between real and false

During childbirth, they will become painful and will continually intensify. You need to be able to correctly determine which contractions are, based on their duration, in order to get to the hospital on time.

Contractions during pregnancy

Some women will feel the contractions for the first time during childbirth, others have already felt them before and are worried.

Contractions of the uterus during pregnancy are normal. In a day, the uterus can contract up to ten times, but these contractions are painless and their localization is not extensive.

If, on the contrary, they are frequent and painful, tell your doctor about it.

Birth pains

As the main day of contractions approaches, especially in the evening, the cervix is \u200b\u200bprepared for opening. When the first contractions are replaced by others, more intense and frequent, you may think that this long-awaited moment has arrived.

Here are some signs that will help you determine the nature of the contractions - if they mean the beginning of labor, then:

• instead of dying down, the contractions get stronger;
• they last about 30-70 seconds, and gradually their frequency and degree of pain become more intense;
• contractions become more regular;
• sometimes contractions can cause intestinal upset in a woman, but almost always the uterus becomes so hard, as if it had been molded from some solid material;
• pain during the first contractions preceding labor, similar to pain during menstruation;
• there is a discharge of the mucous plug (a viscous clot, sometimes with a slight admixture of blood).

Phases of labor

If we consider the process of cervical dilatation along a curve, then three phases can be distinguished in it.

• Latent, longest phase. The dilatation of the cervix is \u200b\u200b2–3 cm. Typically, after this phase, you will be referred to the delivery room and may be given an epidural.
• This is followed by a second, faster phase, in which the opening width will increase to 4-8 cm.
• The last phase, called the inhibition phase, is characterized by an opening degree of more than 8 cm and precedes the expulsion period. It is called so because labor activity slows down at this moment.

With the onset of regular labor, the break between contractions lasts no more than 2-3 minutes, then they intensify and last 60-90 seconds.

If you are expecting twins, the contractions may seem endless to you.

Signs of false contractions

Uniform and strong contractions of the uterus that do not lead to the onset of labor are called false contractions. They can sometimes cause changes in the cervix.

It is possible that you will be sent home from the hospital. To distinguish false contractions from real ones, it is enough to take an antispasmodic agent. If after taking it the contractions stop, then they were false.

"Real" contractions or not

It is important to understand what kind of contractions you have, whether they cause the cervix to open. This will be clear from the survey results. If you are left in the hospital, doctors will often come to you and see if there is any progress. This is the right time to apply the breathing exercises that you have been taught in class.

If contractions are "Not real" - false

You will spend a few hours in a room or pre-hall. The contractions will either subside or intensify. In the first case, it is recommended to get up and walk around to speed up the process.

Obstructed labor

Sometimes it happens that the contractions are already regular and painful, and the cervix does not open. In this case, the doctor will suggest you anesthesia, but this is not always enough. Sometimes the doctor has to intensify labor by artificial means (injections of oxytocin, then puncture of the fetal bladder).

ATTENTION!

The onset of labor does not always mean labor is coming.

Contractions are often physiological in nature, but be careful!

Why are contractions needed?

• The contraction of the uterus causes the muscle fibers to shorten. With each contraction, the cervix stretches. Imagine a standing collar that gradually becomes even, and you will understand what happens during the first period: the cervix is \u200b\u200bflattened. Then it opens, and the baby is expelled from the uterus under the influence of uterine contractions.
• Thus, contractions are the force that prompts the child to be born.
• You need to try to focus your attention not on the pain during the contractions, but on the process itself.
• During the preparatory sessions, you will learn to view contractions not as a period of suffering, but as a period of effectiveness.

First contractions

The very first contractions will start imperceptibly. Every 15-30 minutes, you will feel menstrual pain or cramps. Or you may feel back pain and may not immediately be able to determine the cause.

But then you will feel, anyway, that these contractions are not like the ones you experienced during pregnancy. They are stronger and more regular, later they will become more frequent, and the time between contractions will be shorter. You feel the uterus contract, become firm, and then the uterus relaxes again. You cannot control, stop, or direct these contractions. They occur involuntarily and show that labor activity has begun.

Long wait... By the time the deep contractions begin, it can take quite a long time. Some women note that their contractions are irregular and not very painful; others, on the contrary, speak of intense and frequent contractions. At this stage, you should not rush to the hospital, you should wait a little.

Relax and be patient... When contractions are regular, take a warm bath to relax (if the water is still in place). Maybe after that you will get the impression that they have subsided. Take advantage of this lull and do some relaxing manipulations. Get into a comfortable position (on the floor with a pillow under your buttocks) or walk around, listen to calm music and do the breathing exercises you were taught in your preparatory sessions. After each contraction, try to relax as much as possible in order to be "mentally prepared" for the next one.

Contractions every five minutes... With the approach of labor, contractions intensify, their frequency and duration increase. Wait for them to become regular.
Doctors advise going to the hospital when contractions occur every 5 minutes for 2 hours. This is only an approximate time. If this is not your first child, the time will be approximately halved. If there is a likelihood of premature birth, then you should not delay the time of going to the hospital, given its remoteness from home, traffic jams, etc.

Signs of true contractions

You may have already noticed some prenatal signs. Perhaps false contractions have become more frequent, the discharge has become more and it has become a little pink, the baby has moved to the pelvic region, or you have diarrhea.

Now, most likely, you will see a "bloody show", brownish or bloody mucus, which is released due to the fact that the cervix has dilated. In 10% of cases, the water will drain before the start of active labor. Also, the surest sign that you are in labor is, no kidding, regular contractions that get more frequent, get stronger, and last longer. False contractions can be slowed down by lying down, changing positions, or drinking a few glasses of water. This time, the contractions are likely to start in the lower back and in the abdomen and legs, causing pulling pain. They will not go away if you lie down or change your position, and will get stronger over time. During this first stage of labor, the cervix becomes thinner (flattened) and then dilates by 1 centimeter every hour. The intervals between contractions are 5 to 10 minutes. If this is your first child, it will take a lot of contractions to completely flatten the cervix.

Maybe you will feel euphoric or energized when you realize that you are finally giving birth. You can start mopping the floors or tidy up the closet from the bottom to the top shelf. You can be so happy that a baby will be born soon that you want to do everything that you have time, any thing that comes to mind, even if it’s a trip to the store, because today is the same day. It is best to take a leisurely stroll and relax. You need to save energy for the very moment of the baby's birth. By the end of this period, the contractions will get stronger and you may want to lie down and curl up in a ball away from everyone. When to call a doctor depends on whether it is the first or second child, whether it is far from the hospital, the position of the child, whether the baby is moving and whether there is bleeding. Some women follow the 1-5-1 rule. This means that contractions last minutes or longer, and the interval between them is no more than 5 minutes, and all this has been happening for an hour.

A rare pregnant woman has not heard that there are false contractions. This happens in everyone, so the uterus "trains" before childbirth, they are also referred to as "training". But it happens that a woman does not feel them in any way. Therefore, neither the presence nor the absence of this phenomenon indicates any violation.

Symptoms of false before childbirth Expectant mother
contractions clothing pain
monitoring pregnant pain

What is it and why is it needed

The phenomenon of fake labor has been known for a long time. One of its names is given by the name of the doctor who first described it. It happened in 1872 by the British John Braxton Hicks. They say differently:

• braxton Hicks cuts;
• harbingers or forerunners;
• training;
• braxtons;

Primiparous women usually feel this from the second trimester, multiparous earlier. Some have noticed their appearance in recent weeks, while others do not notice them at all. Abroad, the phenomenon is usually not given importance, as necessary explaining to a woman what is happening. In Russia, false contractions during pregnancy can be designated as an increased tone of the uterus and put in the hospital “to be saved”.

Increased tone of the uterus

The muscles of the uterus react to the hormonal background of the pregnant body, sometimes the phenomenon is given the importance of preparing smooth uterine muscles for future childbirth. Compare it with sports training. This happens in all pregnant women. But the most sensitive of them find false contractions, others simply do not notice contractions, except perhaps just before childbirth.

This is manifested by the following symptoms.

1. Spontaneous, non-periodic tension of the uterus.
2. It can happen several times over several days in a row.
3. There is usually no pain.
4. For many women, false contractions cause uncomfortable sensations of a "stony", "stiff" uterus.
5. Duration - from a few seconds, but not more than two minutes.
6. The strength and number of contractions usually increase with the duration of pregnancy.
7. There is no dilatation of the cervix.

The symptoms of training contractions can vary from woman to woman. This is especially true of their severity. It happens that even some soreness appears, which grows closer to childbirth. If there are no warning signs, don't worry.

Contractions occur involuntarily, but some causes have been seen to trigger the signs of training contractions. Some of them can be eliminated, which will reduce the number and duration of spasms. These factors are:

• too high or, conversely, insufficient physical activity of the mother;
• increased fetal activity;
• strong emotions - positive or negative;
• lack of water;
• overflowing bladder;
• sexual intercourse;
• even touching the belly.

Just before giving birth, false contractions are even helpful. They help to soften the cervix, shorten it. This makes the opening process easier and faster.

Training exercises just before childbirth

Differences between false and "true" manifestations

It is quite understandable that for the first time such a phenomenon is alarming. Therefore, you need to know how to distinguish training contractions from birth, or real. To do this, take into account their duration, frequency, periodicity, intensity, the place in which the contraction is felt.

Sign	During training	With generic
duration	last a few seconds, no more than 120	gradually increasing
frequency	from once a day to four to five per hour	more than five per hour
periodicity	messy	regular, the interval between contractions decreases
intensity	decreases rapidly	constantly growing
soreness	during pregnancy there is usually no pain from training contractions	usually have
a place	usually felt in one place, any	the spasm starts from the back, flowing to the stomach entirely
other signs	usually absent	the cork comes off, water is poured out, the cervix of the uterus opens

Knowing how to distinguish false contractions from real ones, a woman avoids unnecessary worries and visits to the doctor. But for your own reassurance, it is better to check again, discuss this state. Repeated uterine "training" will already be quite predictable, expected and not so scary.

Each woman experiences the symptoms of precursors in her own way. The strength of these sensations is different, the time of their occurrence is also different. Some notice cramps as early as the sixth week, others just before childbirth. Most often, pregnant women describe their experiences as follows.

1. This happens more often in the morning or in the evening.
2. Suddenly, the abdomen sharply tenses, usually it is felt even with the palm, if you put it below or above the navel.
3. During training contractions, it is uncomfortable to move for as long as they last.
4. If you change your posture, stand up or, conversely, lie down, the spasm quickly disappears.

There are ways to relieve spasms, you can train generic breathing during them. Immediate action requires the appearance of additional warning symptoms.

Correct behavior of a pregnant woman

Trial fights differ from real ones in that they pass quickly. There are ways to speed up this process.

1. Eliminate the causes of uterine contractions as much as possible.
2. Drink a glass or more liquid, consume at least one and a half liters per day. You can have a snack.
3. a simple way, like changing the position of the body, will help distinguish contractions from precursors. If the woman was lying, you need to get up and walk, and vice versa. Light massage helps.
4. Warm water soothes muscles, shower or bath will help.
5. If emotions are the cause, you can distract yourself, listen to music, just close your eyes.

False contractions can be beneficial for when labor begins. During them, breathing exercises are done. They will soften the spasm, provide the flow of oxygen through the placenta.

1. When the muscles tighten, you need to slowly, slowly exhale the air. Then take a good deep breath.
2. When it starts to grip, it is often shallow breathing. This exercise is done for no longer than three to four minutes so that your head does not spin.
3. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold your breath. Then quickly and sharply release the air through the mouth.

The intensity of training contractions increases at 38 weeks gestation. Sometimes it is difficult to understand that this is not childbirth yet. Then it is better to see a doctor. A gynecological examination will reveal whether the cervix is \u200b\u200bdilating and will dispel all doubts.

Mom-to-be is resting

Additional signs will indicate that the process has really started. Distinguish labor pains from fake ones are such additional signs as:

• drained water;
• mucous bloody discharge;
• the back hurts from the lower back and below.

This happens already in the last weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes, in the later stages, real contractions can be distinguished from fake ones only by such a sign as a stable increase in frequency and intensity. Everything else - water, pain - will appear much later.

But there are symptoms in which an urgent need to go to the doctor. The fact that these are not false contractions, but signs of premature birth, no matter how many days before them, are indicated by the following symptoms:

• discharge with blood (placental abruption is possible);
• mucous or watery discharge;
• strong painful sensations;
• decreased fetal activity;
• a feeling of pressure in the groin;
• contractions that are repeated more than four times per minute.

Attention!

The information published on the site is for informational purposes only and is intended for information only. Site visitors should not use them as medical advice! The editors of the site do not advise to self-medicate. The determination of the diagnosis and the choice of the treatment method remains the exclusive prerogative of your attending physician! Remember that only complete diagnostics and therapy under the supervision of a doctor will help to completely get rid of the disease!

All women know perfectly well that the appearance of contractions is a precursor to childbirth. As a result of contractions of the uterus, its cervix opens, through which the baby is born. From mid-pregnancy, women often experience training contractions. How long before childbirth they appear and how to recognize them is described in this article.

Training contractions - the norm or a reason to sound the alarm?

The uterus is an organ made up of muscle tissue. Its contractions are a natural physiological process. During pregnancy, the uterus can contract, but women often do not notice this.

Long before childbirth, pregnant women may feel aching pain in the abdomen. In this case, the uterus, when probed, can either harden or relax. The resulting spasm resembles prenatal contractions, but in fact, the body is only preparing for childbirth. In this case, the cervix does not open.

They were first described at the end of the 19th century by a British gynecologist named John Braxton-Hicks, after whom they are named. Another common name for training contractions is false contractions.

Doctors in some countries view training contractions as a threat of premature birth and, at the first symptoms, hospitalize a woman to stop uterine activity and relax her muscles.

Braxton Hicks contractions are a natural physiological process, indicating that the body of a pregnant woman is preparing for childbirth and no medical intervention is required.

Over the past more than a hundred years, medicine has studied in detail what training contractions are, how long before childbirth they can appear and how to recognize them.

How to determine

It is very important that every pregnant woman learns about training contractions at an early stage. Women who have received theoretical training are more attentive to their health and observe the changes taking place. They can recognize themselves when they have training contractions and know how to react to it.

The main symptoms of training contractions are:

1. Feeling of constriction and aching pain in the groin and lower abdomen.
2. Irregularity and irregularity of contractions.
3. They appear in only one area of \u200b\u200bthe abdomen.
4. Contractions can occur up to 6 times per hour.
5. False contractions do not kick in the back, as is the case with real contractions.
6. Does not cause severe pain. Inattentive women may not even notice such contractions.
7. They gradually disappear. After a short amount of time, the uterus calms down and becomes soft.

Some pregnant women calculate the due date by looking at the training contractions. How much before childbirth they arise, it is difficult to determine exactly. Training contractions usually occur in the second and third trimester. How many childbirth after training contractions, it is impossible to answer. The presence or absence of false contractions is not an indicator by which to judge the course of pregnancy.

Duration of contractions

Any woman can detect false contractions without the help of a doctor. To do this, you should know how long the training contractions last before childbirth. With such contractions of the uterus, the duration of muscle tension can be up to 2 minutes. Usually training bouts last no more than a minute. And their frequency of manifestation is up to several times per hour.

False contractions do not increase in frequency or intensity.

Reasons for the appearance

Often, Braxton Hicks contractions cause certain behaviors in a pregnant woman:

• excessive activity, physical activity;
• psycho-emotional stress (for example, worries and worries about future childbirth);
• keeping the bladder full;
• sexual arousal, intimate contact.

In most cases, a woman can avoid training uterine contractions. Doctors advise pregnant women to drink the required amount of water, not to get nervous and stay calm until the very birth. These recommendations should be adhered to even when training contractions appear. After how many childbirth, doctors determine at an early stage. Compliance with medical recommendations allows you to normally carry the baby and give birth to him at the set time.

Early false contractions

In medicine, there is no precise definition of when training contractions should appear. How long before the birth the contractions begin depends on the organism of the expectant mother. Often there are cases that false contractions appear even in the first months of bearing a child.

False contractions at the beginning of pregnancy are almost not felt. Their intensity and frequency increases closer to childbirth. To exclude and prevent the development of dangerous pathologies, with minor discomfort in the lower abdomen, you should consult a doctor.

What to do when training contractions begin

No matter how much before childbirth they appear, a pregnant woman should not panic. give you the opportunity to prepare for real fights. So, during an attack, a pregnant woman can practice the respiratory systems that are used during childbirth:

1. Take frequent shallow breaths during the next contraction. This exercise trains the lungs and makes it easier for the attack to pass.
2. After the end of the contraction, take a deep breath and inhale, and exhale slowly during the contraction.
3. Take slow breaths through your nose and exhale sharply through your mouth.

You can also try to reduce the discomfort in the following ways to facilitate training contractions:

• lie down on the bed and take a comfortable position;
• drink water;
• take a walk;
• take a warm shower;
• turn on relaxing music.
• calm down and tune in to positive thoughts.

Alarms

There are symptoms that require medical attention. In some cases, the threat of gestation can be identified when training contractions occur. How much before childbirth and how intensively the uterus contracts, all pregnant women should observe the presence of secretions.

Symptoms, the manifestation of which signals the need to see a doctor:

• severe pain in the back and lower abdomen;
• bloody, slimy, or watery discharge;
• decreased fetal activity;
• an increase in the frequency of spasms.

False contractions before childbirth

Training contractions are not intensified. After how much labor begins, only a doctor can accurately determine at a later date. False contractions in recent weeks are more painful and because of this it seems to women that they are already starting to give birth. The onset of labor can be determined by the frequency and intensity of contractions, which is accurately calculated by the cardiotocography method. With its help, you can set the exact number of uterine contractions, their strength and duration.

Training contractions in the last weeks are Most often, such contractions are observed in the mornings and evenings.

False contractions are very important for labor as they help smooth and soften the cervix and prepare it for the coming birth.

A few weeks before giving birth, the expectant mother begins to experience unpleasant pulling sensations localized in the lower abdomen. This phenomenon is called "training fights", sometimes they are called "false" or "preparatory". In the medical literature, the name "Braxton-Hicks contractions" is found after the name of the author who first described them.

False contractions are a normal reaction of the female body during the last trimester of pregnancy. They prepare, adapt the uterus for the upcoming childbirth, help her to establish the rhythm of contractions for the future birth of the child. However, many expectant mothers, especially while waiting for their first child, take false contractions for real ones, which makes them go to the maternity ward ahead of time, so it is worth learning to distinguish them from each other.

Differences between true and false contractions

True or real contractions are contractions of the uterus, during which its muscle layers become thicker and shorter, which is accompanied by smoothing and opening of the pharynx. After opening the cervix, attempts are added to them - contractions of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm, this helps the child to pass through the birth canal. Contractions occur involuntarily, they are the main harbinger of childbirth.

Each contraction has a certain wave-like cycle: increasing contractions - reaching the highest degree - relaxing the muscles - pause. At the beginning of labor, the tension of the uterus lasts about 15 seconds with pauses of 10-15 minutes. By the end of labor, the duration of contractions reaches 1-1.5 minutes, and the frequency is 2-3 minutes.

The main subjective sign by which one can distinguish false contractions from true ones is their frequency and duration, training contractions of the uterus are irregular, their length does not increase over time.

Training contractions are also contractions of the uterus, but their main difference is that they are not accompanied by cervical opening and do not lead to the birth of a child. This phenomenon usually begins to bother a woman from 30-32 weeks of pregnancy, sometimes much earlier - from 20-22. Some expectant mothers do not feel false contractions at all during the entire period of bearing a child.

The table contains the signs by which you can distinguish the preparatory fights from the real ones:

Signs

False contractions

True fights

Irregular, there is no increase in their frequency

Regular, over time the length increases and the pause decreases

Rather weak, most women describe them as "unpleasant pulling sensations in the lower abdomen", very rarely can be given to the lower back

Painful, almost always radiating to the lower back

Reaction to environmental factors

Change of position, rest, taking medications (papaverine, no-shpa) eliminate false contractions

Do not stop despite any action

When examined by a doctor

No dilatation of the cervix

Cervix dilated

Other signs

Normally, they are not accompanied by other symptoms

May be accompanied by other precursors of childbirth (discharge of the mucous plug, scarlet vaginal discharge)

Relief of false contractions and reasons for going to the doctor

Fake labor is a great workout for the upcoming birth. They help a woman get used to unpleasant sensations, learn to breathe correctly. However, if training contractions of the uterus cause severe discomfort to a woman, there are 5 simple ways to get rid of them:

1. Change in body position. When performing any physical activity, lie down on the bed. If at the time of the onset of contractions the woman was resting, it is worth getting up, trying to walk, doing light gymnastics.
2. Drink a glass of clean water, juice or weak herbal tea.
3. You can go for a walk in clean air, an increase in oxygen in the blood provokes the cessation of contractions.
4. Take a warm shower or bath. Hot water helps relieve muscle tension.
5. Breathing exercises. There are many exercises for relieving uterine tension. The most popular are "dog breath" - a woman should breathe often and quickly at the peak of the fight, the maximum duration of such "gymnastics" is no more than 40 seconds. There is also a "candle" technique - the expectant mother needs to take a deep breath through her nose, and then quickly exhale through her mouth.

When the above methods do not help relieve the tension of the uterus, and the duration and frequency of contractions increases, the woman should go to the maternity hospital. It is better to do this when their ratio becomes 5/45 (duration 45 seconds, interval 5 minutes), since the first stage of labor can be 10-12 hours, the first half of which is more comfortable to spend at home. But if the expectant mother is experiencing severe stress, she should go to the hospital as early as possible in order to be under the supervision of specialists.

Sometimes the appearance of false or true contractions can be a threat to the unborn child. Concerns are:

• scarlet discharge from the vagina (the likelihood of placental abruption);
• watery vaginal discharge (chance of water draining);
• the release of dense mucus (the mucous plug comes off);
• very strong, unbearable pain;
• increased contractions up to 5 per minute;
• reduction or cessation of baby's movements;
• feeling of "expansion" of the perineum.

These symptoms may be a variant of the norm, but if they appear, you should immediately seek medical attention. Usually the signs listed above are precursors of childbirth, which means that the contractions are true. But with training contractions of the uterus, various complications can occur (premature discharge of amniotic fluid), which requires medical intervention.

The last trimester of pregnancy is the most exciting period for a woman. The closer the delivery is, the more questions arise. The most relevant of them relate to how contractions begin before childbirth, what sensations arise during this, whether pain is felt.

It is this process that is most afraid of the fair sex, in whom pregnancy is the first. You really shouldn't be nervous about this. With negative emotions, the pain can feel intense. The less you think about it and the fear of contractions, the easier the birth will be.

Yes, and there are special techniques to reduce pain in this natural process.

A woman carrying a baby under her heart can be misled by false (training) contractions. They can start from the 20th week of pregnancy. False contractions before childbirth cause slight discomfort, but are irregular, short-lived, and in most cases practically painless. A warm bath or walking can help relieve uterine tension and discomfort. It is important to remember that the bath temperature should be between 36 and 38 degrees.

True contractions are the main harbinger of childbirth. How are contractions before childbirth and what are they like? Every woman experiences contractions differently. It depends on the physiological characteristics of the pregnant woman and on the position of the baby in the tummy. For example, some may feel weak aching pain in the lumbar region, which after a certain period of time spread to the abdomen and pelvis, encircling the woman.

Others note that the sensation of labor is comparable to the discomfort that occurs during menstruation. The pain intensifies afterwards. During contractions, it may seem that uterus turns to stone... This can be well seen if you put your hand on your stomach.

All of the above signs can be characteristic of false contractions of the uterus. Then how to recognize real contractions before childbirth? There are general signs of this natural process by which every pregnant woman can determine that she is about to start labor:

• regularity of occurrence;
• gradual increase in frequency;
• increased pain over time.

In the beginning, a pregnant woman may feel labor pains over a long period of time. The pain is not strong. In the future, the intervals between contractions gradually decrease, the soreness of this natural process increases.

Based on the general signs of contractions before childbirth, it is possible to distinguish 3 phases process:

• initial (latent, hidden);
• active;
• transitional.

initial stage on average it lasts about 7-8 hours. The duration of the contraction can be 30-45 seconds, the interval between them is about 5 minutes. During this period, the cervix opens up to 0-3 cm.

During active phaselasting 3 to 5 hours, contractions can last up to 60 seconds. The frequency of contractions during childbirth is 2-4 minutes. The cervix opens 3-7 cm.

Transition phase (deceleration phase) is the shortest. A woman can stay in it for 0.5-1.5 hours. The contractions get longer. They now last for 70-90 seconds. The interval between contractions also becomes shorter compared to other phases. After about 0.5-1 minutes, the woman in the position will feel the contractions of the uterus. The neck of this organ opens up to 7-10 cm.

Contractions in a second birth are also divided into three phases, but the total duration of each is shorter than in a first birth.

What if contractions start?

If contractions occur, a pregnant woman should calm down, because vanity is not the best helper. Desirable take a comfortable position in a chair, chair or bed and start recording the intervals between contractions and their duration. It is advisable to record all this data. You don't need to think about what is more painful: contractions or childbirth. Fear will make the pain seem unbearable.

If the contractions do not last long and the duration between them is long (20-30 minutes), then it is too early for the baby to be born. The woman has time to collect the necessary things, call an ambulance... At this time, with the help of loved ones, you can take a warm shower. In case of contractions, the intervals between which are 5-7 minutes, you already need to go to the hospital.

A trip to a medical facility should not be postponed, despite the fact that the initial phase of contractions can last several hours. Amniotic fluid can leave earlier, and at this time it is already desirable to be under the supervision of an obstetrician-gynecologist. When the waters drain in no case should you take a warm or hot bath, because this may increase the likelihood of developing infectious complications, bleeding, embolism,.

How to induce contractions and childbirth?

For many women, labor begins at 37-40 weeks. However, there are cases when pregnancy lasts 41, 42 and even 43 weeks. Representatives of the fair sex in such situations are already beginning to worry, get nervous, because they really want to see their baby faster, but he still does not want to be born. Yes, and there are cases when the child died at this time in the mother's tummy, and the contractions did not start.

The death of a child can occur due to the fact that the placenta begins to age. Oxygen and nutrients may no longer be enough for your baby. How to induce contractions and childbirth is a question that worries expectant mothers carrying a child longer than the date of the expected birth, which was calculated by the doctor.

In order to prevent the occurrence of negative consequences, contractions and childbirth can be caused. However, this decision must be made by only a doctor... If there are no pathologies, and the amniotic fluid is clean, then there is no need to stimulate the birth process. Everything has its time. If any deviations are found, then the doctor will certainly suggest stimulation of contractions and childbirth... You shouldn't refuse it.

Contractions can be triggered independently. For example, it is recommended to be more upright, walk, move, but there is no need to provoke the appearance of fatigue, stress, since this will not be beneficial.

Feelings of contractions before childbirth may occur because of sex... Semen contains prostaglandins, which prepare the cervix for childbirth by softening it. Sexual arousal, orgasm tone up the body and cause uterine contractions.

You can call contractions with breast nipple massage... It can be started from the 37th week of pregnancy. During the massage, the body releases the hormone oxytocin, due to which the muscles of the uterus can begin to contract. The massage allows not only to stimulate labor, but also to prepare the skin of the nipples for breastfeeding the baby.

There are also folk remedies for stimulating labor and labor, but you should not try them on yourself. For example, certain teas and decoctions can adversely affect the health of the mother and her baby, because some herbs are contraindicated for pregnant women, as they can provoke a miscarriage.

How to make labor pains easier during childbirth?

Doctors can help a pregnant woman relieve pain during labor and labor with special medications. However, don't rely on anesthesia. There is a possibility that the drug will negatively affect the mother and her baby.

The main way to relieve pain is correct breathing during childbirth and contractions. With its help, a woman in labor can relax. At the onset of a contraction, it is recommended to focus on exhalation. At this moment, it is worthwhile to imagine that pain “leaves” the body together with the air. A woman in labor can "make noise" during labor and childbirth. Sighs, groans and screams will ease the condition. Correct breathing should be learned in advance and exercised more often, because childbirth is stressful, due to which all poorly memorized information can be easily forgotten.

A woman in labor can relax thanks to massage and the simple gentle touch of a loved one. Contractions are the beginning of labor. It is at their onset that it is recommended to do a slow massage of the lower back. A woman at this time can stand or sit on a chair, operating on its back with her hands.

Lumbar back massage during childbirth is considered to be very effective. This is because the sacral nerve travels to the spinal cord from the uterus through the lower back. If you massage this area, then the pain during contractions will be less felt. It is very good if the spouse wants to be present during childbirth and help his beloved in this difficult moment.

Equally important psychological attitude... Positive emotions, thoughts that soon it will be possible to see the baby, will help reduce pain. In order to properly react to what is happening and not worry, a woman needs to understand how childbirth proceeds and what one can feel at this time.

In between contractions no need to wait for the next cut. This time is given to a woman to rest. If you are tensely waiting for the next contraction, you can quickly get tired.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that contractions are a natural process. All pregnant women go through this. The question of how contractions begin before childbirth worries many expectant mothers. It is worth noting that it is impossible to accurately describe all the sensations, since they are individual. Someone compares contractions with pain during menstruation, and someone with an intestinal disorder.

19 february 2019