Pregnancy Contractions: Everything you need to know about signs of labour

Pregnancy contractions are a crucial part of the delivery process in the journey to motherhood. Understanding these contractions is vital for expectant mothers. Contractions in pregnancy signal the start of labour and when there is a need to contact a doctor or head to the hospital.

This blog post will explore contraction pains during pregnancy to help expectant mothers and their partners navigate this critical aspect of childbirth. From recognising the different types of contractions to knowing when to seek medical attention, this blog post will cover everything you need to know when pregnant for a smoother and more informed experience.

What are contractions, and what do contractions during pregnancy feel like?

The sensation of pregnancy contractions can vary from person to person, but there are common signs to help identify them. Contractions start with tightening in the abdomen, often accompanied by pain and cramping that originates in the lower back and spreads to the front. As labour contractions progress, the uterine muscles tighten in a wave-like pattern, varying in intensity over time.

These contractions resemble intense menstrual cramps, characterised by pelvic pressure and abdominal discomfort. Some women may also experience a persistent backache during contractions. Pregnancy contractions can intensify once the water breaks, signalling the active phase of labour.

What are the different types of contractions?

Here are some types of pregnancy contractions:

Understanding the differences between the different contractions when pregnant is essential for expectant mothers during their pregnancy. It enables them to recognise the signs of active labour and helps them decide when to seek medical attention. There are two types of pregnancy contractions:

1. Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions, or false labour contractions, are a common occurrence during pregnancy. These contractions are characterised by their irregularity. They do not follow a predictable pattern and can come and go intermittently. When experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions, one may notice a mild abdomen tightening. Some describe the sensation as discomfort or pressure, but it is generally not intensely painful. Importantly, these contractions do not become significantly more intense or frequent as time progresses. Instead, they help prepare the uterine muscles for the eventual onset of labour.

2. True labor contractions

In contrast to Braxton Hicks contractions, true labour contractions indicate that active labour is commencing. These contractions occur at regular intervals, following a consistent pattern that gradually becomes more frequent as time advances. The sign of true labour contractions is their increasing intensity, which turns into labour pain during pregnancy. These contractions typically initiate in the lower back and radiate to the front of the abdomen, creating a wave-like tightening of the uterine muscles. As time progresses, the pain and intensity of labour pain in pregnancy increase. The primary purpose of these contractions is to open the cervix and facilitate childbirth.

What are the different stages of labour?

The labour process is typically divided into three distinct stages:

1. First Stage of Labor

The first stage of labour includes several phases, including early, active, and transitional. Contractions are irregular and mild during early labour, often like strong menstrual cramps. As this phase progresses, contractions become more regular and intense, with the cervix gradually effacing (thinning) and dilating. Active labour is marked by contractions at shorter intervals and increased intensity. This is when many mothers head to the hospital. The final phase, transitional labour, is characterised by the most intense contractions and typically indicates that the cervix is fully dilated.

2. Second Stage of Labour

When the cervix is fully dilated, usually at 10 centimetres, the second stage of labour starts. During this phase, contractions continue, but the focus shifts to pushing and delivering the baby. Contractions are crucial in helping the baby move through the birth canal. Mothers may feel intense pressure.

3. Third Stage of Labour

The third stage of labour, which is the final one, involves the delivery of the placenta, the organ that nourishes the baby throughout pregnancy. Contractions persist as the body detaches the placenta from the uterine wall. Once detached, the placenta is expelled from the mother’s body. This stage is typically less intense than the previous two but remains a critical part of the labour process.

How to manage contractions during pregnancy?

Here are practical tips for managing contractions during pregnancy:

1. Relaxation Techniques

One of the most effective ways to manage contractions during pregnancy is to practice relaxation techniques. Pregnancy health can benefit significantly from mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation. These preventive pregnancy anxiety and tension techniques make contractions more manageable.

2. Changing Positions

Walking, swaying, or rocking can help relieve pressure and discomfort. Some women find comfort in kneeling on all fours or leaning on a birthing ball. These position changes can help shift the baby’s position and lessen pain.

3. Staying Hydrated and Nourished

Maintaining proper hydration and nourishment is essential, especially during labour. Sipping water between contractions prevents dehydration, which can ease discomfort. Eating light, balanced meals or snacks provides the energy and nutrients needed for the demanding labour process.

While it is essential to understand preparation for pregnancy, it is also necessary to remember that every pregnancy is unique. If any concerns or uncertainties arise about contractions or overall pregnancy health, seeking guidance and support from a doctor is advisable.