How to distinguish training contractions from labor contractions. Contractions: how to understand that they have begun. False contractions and sure signs

False contractions during pregnancy can appear immediately before the due date. They are characterized by the appearance unpleasant symptoms lower abdomen. There is nothing scary in this process; it is, so to speak, preparation before real contractions and childbirth. It is important to understand that this is a false alarm and to be able to distinguish this condition from the real birth process.

ICD-10 code

O47 False contractions

Causes of false contractions

False contractions can affect the strong blood flow to the placenta. They play a role in stimulating the muscles of the uterus to maintain its tone. In addition, they are actually responsible for the process of dilation of the cervix. One thing is clear - they are preparing the body of the expectant mother for the upcoming birth.

False contractions are also called Braxon-Hicks contractions. They can appear regardless external factors. True, we can note some points that can provoke their development.

There are several most common reasons for this phenomenon. Thus, most often their development is not provoked by healthy image life, especially the craving for bad habits. Excessive use coffee, as well as products containing caffeine, makes its negative contribution.

This condition can be provoked by dehydration of the body, as well as full bladder. Deficiency in the body nutrients, as well as stress, lack of sleep - all this leads to premature contractions. The condition may be affected increased activity fetus and sex (orgasm). But first of all this physical exercise pregnant woman and fetal activity in the uterus. Thus, after exercising or walking, a woman may feel contractions.

Pathogenesis

The development and manifestation of Braxon-Hicks contractions occurs at the beginning of the conception of a child. Formation in the body occurs in almost all women. They mainly occur in the genital area. When favorable conditions are created for the child and his development, the placenta develops, through which gas exchange and metabolism occurs between the child and the mother.

The purpose of the adjustment is to prepare the cervix for future childbirth. During the period of changes in the body, the woman will feel a contraction of the uterine muscles. At the time of such contractions, the uterus matures and softens. Also, when the uterine muscles contract, the plug comes out, which manifests itself in the form of blood discharge.

The tissues of the cervix and vagina should become elastic and stretchable, but strong and resistant to tearing. The cervix is placed in the center of the vagina and becomes half as long. The cervical canal opens slightly, which connects the uterine cavity and vagina. The lumen of the cervix should be slightly open and easily passable, with a diameter of 2-2.5 cm. The baby's head drops as low as possible and presses tightly against the entrance to the pelvis. It takes more than one week for such a significant restructuring of the body!

Symptoms of false contractions during pregnancy

Around the twentieth week of pregnancy may appear false contractions. False contractions are basically similar to real ones. The difference between such contractions is the intensity and regularity. During false contractions, contractions of the uterus are felt lasting from several seconds to two minutes.

A woman experiences a feeling of compression in the abdomen - in the upper part, below, sometimes in the groin area. Such contractions occur irregularly, and you can measure the time between them. This will allow you to navigate general condition women, and see how many contractions occur in one hour. The sensations may be limited to one area only. If real contractions are recorded, then they are characterized by unpleasant sensations in the lower back, and pain is also present. Gradually, the strength of false contractions decreases and they disappear. The expectant mother begins to be bothered by unpleasant symptoms. There is discomfort in the uterus and lower abdomen. Contractions are irregular.

First signs

There are the first signs by which it immediately becomes clear that false contractions have begun. Compression begins to be felt in the lower abdomen or groin, as well as in the upper part of the uterus. Discomfort is felt only in one part of the abdomen. Contractions can be irregular and occur several times a day or a couple of times an hour. In some cases, their number is 6 contractions per 60 minutes. There is some discomfort, but the contractions may not be painful. There is no clear rhythm of what is happening. The intensity of contractions may decrease sharply.

It is quite easy to distinguish real contractions from false contractions. When the process really begins, severe pain is felt. Contractions occur throughout the abdomen and pain spreads to the lower back. Contractions repeat every 15, 10, and then 5 minutes. There is increasing intensity - 5 times per minute. Increasing contractions in duration and the presence of other signs of labor beginning (empty amniotic fluid, discharge of mucus plug, diarrhea, nagging pain at the bottom of the spine).

Consequences

There are certain risk factors associated with this condition.

Polyhydramnios is an excess of amniotic fluid in the expectant mother over 1500 ml. This condition is characterized by the presence of a large tummy, and its size does not at all correspond to real time. Acute - develops quickly and in the early stages of pregnancy. Excessive development of the abdomen is observed, shortness of breath appears, tension occurs on the walls of the uterus, and severe pain occurs.
Chronic - develops already in late dates pregnancy, the development of symptoms occurs more slowly and is not so pronounced.
Habitual miscarriage. Common reasons leading to this diagnosis are: genetic disposition, anatomical features, hormones, the state of immunity of the expectant mother, as well as infections. Many diseases such as gonorrhea, rubella, syphilis, herpes and even influenza.
Isthmic-cervical insufficiency. As a result of cervical injuries, muscle tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which is less elastic and harder and tougher. In this regard, the cervix loses its ability to contract and stretch, and accordingly it will not be able to hold the contents of the uterus.

There are also such consequences as: the presence of chronic foci of infection, swelling, hormonal disorders, immune disorders, multiple pregnancy, presence of a scar on the uterus.

Complications

The most severe complication is termination of pregnancy different dates, in some cases, interruption may begin with the release of amniotic fluid, as well as without it. In many cases, isthmic-cervical insufficiency is accompanied by infection of the fetus due to the lack of a barrier from microorganisms in the form of a closed cervix and cervical mucus, which protects the uterine cavity and its contents from bacteria. Also, a complication of pregnancy can be caused by an excess of amniotic fluid.

This may be gestosis, which is damage to the placenta and blood vessels. There is a Rh conflict - agglutination occurs. During fetal ripening, the child's red blood cells carry D-antigen, which meet with the red blood cells of the Rh-negative pregnant woman and stick together. Low hemoglobin - a lack of iron in the blood leads to disruption of the liver, protein production decreases, and water metabolism is disrupted. Headaches appear, preeclampsia and eclampsia occur, which is an indicator of termination of labor. Pathology of the placenta cannot be excluded.

Diagnosis of false contractions during pregnancy

Diagnostic methods are carried out exclusively by a doctor. It is enough to simply examine the patient and interview her. It is desirable that there be data on the course of pregnancy and the period at which the woman is. It is necessary to know what position the baby is in and when the birth is planned.

The period of occurrence of contractions is noted. It is important to know all the intervals between contractions and their regularity. The time interval between contractions is counted and Special attention is given to the discharge of amniotic fluid. The degree of maturity and dilatation of the cervix is determined.

It is important to record data on the recording of fetal cardiac activity; they are necessary to monitor the child’s condition. In addition, the estimated duration of pregnancy is determined. All this together represents diagnostic measures to determine contractions and their reliability.

Analyzes

Throughout pregnancy future mom should closely monitor their health and especially monitor their diet and lifestyle. She will have to visit the doctor several times and undergo various tests.

The first visit to the obstetrician-gynecologist should be made no later than the 11th week. On this first trip you need to register as pregnant and pass mandatory tests. Tests for expectant mothers: general analysis urine; general blood analysis; Rh factor; donate blood for HIV, syphilis; presence test viral hepatitis IN; smear on flora.
The second visit to the doctor usually occurs at 12-13 weeks. When is the time for the first ultrasound? Temperature, body weight, arterial pressure, pulse and external obstetric examination is carried out.
At the third visit to the doctor at 19-21 weeks, a second ultrasound is performed and indicators are taken, as well as tests. Urinalysis, protein test, blood test for HIV and double biochemical test.

At 24-25 weeks, a general blood test and a glucose tolerance test are taken. In subsequent visits to the obstetrician-gynecologist, they do the same examinations and tests as before.

Instrumental diagnostics

As mentioned above, the expectant mother will have to go through ultrasonography. This is the only safe and informative method that makes it possible to monitor the condition of the fetus in the womb.

In the early stages of pregnancy, ultrasound is done only for a number of reasons. Such as: pain in the lower abdomen with delayed and suspected pregnancy; vaginal bleeding; artificial insemination; exclusion of undeveloped pregnancy.

Visits to the doctor for an ultrasound. At 12-13 weeks, the gestational age of the baby is determined. The heartbeat is perfectly measured, the fetus is quite active. At this stage, diagnostics is carried out regarding possible interruption pregnancy. At 19-21 weeks, the weight and growth of the fetus are determined; location, structure and thickness of the placenta; amount of amniotic fluid; the presence of anomalies in the shape of the skull and other extremities. At 32 weeks – previously undetected problems in fetal development are determined; location and maturity of the placenta; fetal and circulatory condition; there is a condition of scars on the uterus.

By the third ultrasound visit, the presentation of the fetus (breech or cephalic) is determined, since by this time the fetus has taken its position in which it will be born.

Differential diagnosis

In some cases, uterine activity is mistaken for real contractions; such activity is called false contractions. If a pregnant woman complains of nagging, painful pain in the lower abdomen, it makes sense to differentiate the diagnosis of false contractions from true contractions.

False contractions occur unevenly in strength and duration, pain, and are repeated at different intervals. If labor is weak: contractions are regular, weak, equal in strength and duration. During this period of time, an external examination is carried out, where the tone of the uterus is observed.

With such contractions, a pregnant woman may experience complaints of painful and prolonged sensations in the lower abdomen. But the exclusion of the preliminary period in the expectant mother is possible by the fact that the pain was relieved intramuscular injection drug papaverine. In addition, within 6 hours (the normal duration of the preliminary period), and in the subsequent hours, the onset of the first stage of labor did not occur, this confirms false contractions.

Treatment of false contractions during pregnancy

If the pain lasts no more than 6 hours, then treatment is not applied in this case. When the process has a pathological course, obstetric sleep is prescribed. Much depends directly on the symptoms and how the woman feels.

Most often, treatment includes a number of basic activities. To reduce pain Antispasmodics are widely used, most often No-spa. Vitamin therapy is often used. A woman can take both special medicines for mothers and eat more fruits containing healthy vitamins and microelements. These can be fruits, dairy products and vegetables.

It is recommended to adjust your position in bed so that your legs are slightly elevated. This will remove the mechanical effect of the fetus on the lower segment of the uterus, which irritates the receptors and helps to increase the tone and contractility of the uterus.

Physiotherapy is also often used. If a woman is very overexcited, preference is given to sedatives. It is advisable to take herbal teas, valerian and motherwort, but only in tablets! Immunotherapy is widely used and placental insufficiency is prevented.

Medicines

Drug treatment of pregnant women requires a special and thoughtful approach. Many medications have a negative effect on the fetus and the course of pregnancy. A few weeks before giving birth, false contractions become more and more painful and bring even more discomfort.

For painful sensations, many doctors individually prescribe No-shpa. She happens to be safe drug for the expectant mother and child, it acts quickly and effectively. Taking this drug reduces tension in the uterus and relieves spasms, thereby relieving pain during false contractions. However, no-spa is not taken for the entire pregnancy cycle, since there is a possibility of dilatation of the cervix. Before taking, you need to consult a doctor.

No-shpa. This remedy will relieve spasms and thereby protect the woman from false contractions. It is enough to take it 2 times a day, 2 tablets. Your doctor can prescribe the exact dosage. Contraindications: hypersensitivity, impaired liver and kidney function. Side effects: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, allergic reactions.
If the expectant mother has an excess of male sex hormones and there is a possibility of miscarriage, Dexamethasone is prescribed. The drug should be taken with caution and only on the recommendation of a doctor, taking into account all the side effects.
Dexamethasone. In the acute period it is used in increased doses. The dosage regimen is individual. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. Side effects: well tolerated, can only cause allergic reactions.

For hormonal development to accelerate lung development, betamethasone is prescribed. The doctor prescribes the dosage and regimen of taking the drug individually, taking into account the side effects.

Betamethasone. The product is used in small dose, it can be 0.25-0.5 mg. The duration of treatment is prescribed by a specialist. Contraindications: hypertension, syphilis, diabetes, systemic mycoses. Side effects: weight gain, insomnia, menstrual irregularities.

Traditional treatment

A woman during pregnancy experiences pain during false contractions. There are several methods to alleviate these unpleasant sensations and relieve discomfort.

You can just drink a glass warm water or milk. This will significantly reduce discomfort and improve the condition. A warm shower will help cope with unpleasant symptoms. Under no circumstances should you take a bath! It is recommended to visit the pool to strengthen muscles and improve health.

You should not resort to the help of any tinctures or decoctions. First you need to see a doctor, and then apply certain methods to improve the condition.

Sometimes it’s enough to relax and lie quietly for a few minutes.

The expectant mother during false contractions has good opportunity practice proper breathing and choosing a comfortable position, which they will soon need when giving birth.

Herbal treatment

Many herbs are useful during pregnancy and have a number of useful and beneficial properties for the expectant mother and her baby. However, some will need to be abandoned, because there is a possibility of provoking a miscarriage.

During pregnancy, a woman may experience false contractions. It is recommended to treat this condition with herbs. Harmless herbs for eliminating colds are: primrose, coltsfoot, linden blossom, altai root, rose hips, burdock and others.

Plants that have a laxative effect should not be taken during pregnancy, due to miscarriage and premature birth. These are plants such as: cassia, aloe, buckthorn.

Other folk remedies to avoid: Melia, hyssop, basil, turmeric, sumac.

Not all types of herbs that you need to be careful of during pregnancy are listed here. Whenever you use a folk remedy, be sure to consult your doctor.

Homeopathy

During pregnancy, a woman’s level of health decreases, so problems may arise. various disorders. Such as false contractions, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain and back pain, eating and nervous disorders, etc. Homeopathy during pregnancy is much better than conventional medicine. One of the advantages of homeopathy is that it is harmless to the pregnant woman and her fetus, does not cause allergies and does not contain chemical substances. The doctor must not only prescribe medications to the expectant mother, but also explain to her everything that she feels, everything that the child experiences. After all, the fetus in the womb feels all the effects on the mother’s body from the time of conception. It is important that pregnancy takes place in an atmosphere of calm and happiness.

Homeopathic medicines can be taken at any stage during pregnancy. This is especially true for the first 3 months of pregnancy, where the risk of miscarriage is very high, doctors prescribe the following drugs: Arnica, Sabina, Chamomilla, etc. The homeopathic drug should be taken in small doses, acting on the body positive effect. However, if the drug is taken in large doses, it will worsen.

Prevention

Expectant mothers before and during pregnancy are prescribed homeopathic medicines depending on the condition of the body. Taking homeopathic medicines during pregnancy plays a role in the prevention of various diseases in the newborn. Homeopathic treatment also helps future parents improve their health, thereby giving birth to more healthy child. A man with oligospermia and spermatogenesis disorders can undergo prophylaxis with homeopathic medications, improving the quality and quantity of sperm. The girl is allowed to undergo prophylaxis for different types infertility. Also, a girl who has had an abortion is prescribed homeopathic remedy(Aconite, Secale, Sabina, etc.) and only as prescribed by a doctor. The drug is taken throughout pregnancy 3 times a day until the 16th week. Depending on the condition of the body, the doctor may prescribe other treatment. There are more than 100 drugs in the homeopathy database to treat this problem.

To prevent and treat false contractions, the drug should be taken once an hour until the pain disappears. To improve the condition in all cases, rest and bed rest. The most common drugs: Cimicifuga - for sharp pain in the abdominal area; Caulophyllum - especially taken on last weeks pregnancy and prepares the cervix for childbirth.

Forecast

False contractions prepare the expectant mother’s body for the most important day of pregnancy. They can appear either at 20 weeks or until the end of pregnancy. To improve the condition and relieve discomfort, treatment methods were given above. If the treatment is effective, there is a decrease in pain experienced by the pregnant woman during uterine contractions.

Spontaneous drug intake and treatment folk remedies prohibited. Treatment and prevention are established only on the recommendations and advice of a doctor. If complications or illnesses appear during pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Around week 36, many begin to listen to their body. With the onset of the 38th week, the pregnancy is considered full-term; during this week the baby is usually born. If labor does not begin before 41 weeks, you will need to be hospitalized.

ICD-10 code

A woman’s body undergoes a complete restructuring during the period of bearing a child; it is false contractions that prepare and train the expectant mother for childbirth. False contractions are contractions of the cervical muscles. Such contractions are not accompanied by pain, but after a while they become noticeable and bring slight discomfort.

Even this state has its own designation. False contractions are also noted by the international classification of diseases. Thanks to this, it is much easier to classify the true condition of a woman.

International Classification of Diseases codes: False contractions are divided into: (O47.0) False contractions occurring before 37 full weeks pregnancy, (O47.1) false contractions, after 37 completed weeks of pregnancy and O47.9 False contractions, unspecified. There are no exceptions here. This condition has been marked with a code for convenience. Because the fact of the presence of false contractions should be noted in the mother’s chart.

It is important to know!

Weakness of labor is a condition in which the intensity, duration and frequency of contractions are insufficient, and therefore the effacement of the cervix, the opening of the cervical canal and the advancement of the fetus, if it corresponds to the size of the pelvis, proceeds at a slow pace.

Training contractions (Braxton Hicks contractions) are contractions of the uterine muscles that can last no more than 1-2 minutes and are believed to help the body prepare for childbirth. Not all expectant mothers experience such contractions. Most often they can occur in the third trimester of pregnancy, but sometimes in the second trimester some women notice such contractions. If you are having training contractions, you may feel general tension in your uterus for up to 40 minutes. They are usually painless and almost always stop about an hour after they start. Although all women experience Braxton Hicks contractions, some women, especially those who are pregnant for the first time, may not feel them at all.

There are cases that women, especially during the second and subsequent pregnancies, mistake training contractions for the beginning, so they mistakenly come to the maternity hospital. Braxton Hicks contractions can be so strong and regular that they are very difficult to distinguish from real contractions.

How to distinguish training contractions from real ones?

What to do if training contractions bring discomfort

If you are a few weeks away from giving birth and your training contractions are causing you discomfort, try one of the following recommendations:

Change your body position. Sometimes walking can help relieve pressure and muscle contractions. In some cases, simple rest can relieve you from unpleasant sensations. (In the case of real contractions, no recommendations will help).

Try taking a bath to relax a bit.

Drink a few glasses of water. Sometimes the cause of training matchups can be dehydration, which is quite common among pregnant women.

Try doing some relaxing physical exercise, breathe deeply. In the case of training contractions, this will help you relax, and in the case of real contractions, it will be clear to you that labor will soon occur.

When to call a doctor

Be sure to call your doctor if you are more than 37 weeks pregnant and your contractions become more frequent, rhythmic, or painful, or if you notice following dates.

Often called training. Let's try to find out how to distinguish false contractions during pregnancy from real ones. When there are only a few weeks left, expectant mothers begin to catch themselves thinking that very soon they will have to experience childbirth. This means that it’s time to thoroughly study materials related to breathing, correct poses in childbirth and behavior during contractions. Speaking of contractions! Did you know that on recent months Pregnancy women often experience training (false) contractions? How to distinguish them from the real ones? Let's figure it out.

First of all, it should be noted that false contractions during pregnancy different women manifest themselves in completely different ways, so relying on the stories of friends who have already given birth is, to say the least, stupid. So, what are they, training (fake) contractions?

What are false (training) contractions?

Contraction of the uterine muscles

False contractions serve to prepare the uterus (smooth muscle contraction occurs) and female body in general for the upcoming birth, which is why they are often called " Training contractions". You can also find the name " Braxton Hicks contractions"(this is a gynecologist who was the first to describe such contractions). Painful sensations are in many ways similar to painful menstruation and are accompanied by heaviness and tension in the lower abdomen. Sometimes, at a moment of strong tension, you can see the outline of the uterus and easily feel it.

During false contractions, the uterus seems to turn to stone.

Differences between real contractions and false ones

1. Unlike real labor contractions, training contractions are usually less painful and vaguely resemble pain during menstruation.

2. False contractions often spread to the lower abdomen, while real contractions are encircling in nature, but are more localized in the lumbar region.

3. Training contractions do not have a specific interval and can last either half a minute or 5-10 minutes.

4. Fake contractions can be easily prevented with 1-2 tablets of drotaverine or no-spa. In the case of real contractions, the pills will not have an analgesic effect.

5. A similar analgesic effect can be achieved with a slightly warm shower directed to the lumbar region.

6. When a woman experiences real labor pains, she notices a gradual reduction in the interval between them. The contraction itself, as a rule, lengthens from 5-7 seconds to several minutes. Also gradually.

7. And finally, the main difference between real fights is rupture of amniotic fluid, as well as from the vagina. Of course, not all women have contractions accompanied by rupture of amniotic fluid and discharge. However, if these symptoms did occur, then we can say with complete confidence that the contractions preceding this were real. And remember that the sooner you go to the maternity hospital after the appearance of amniotic fluid, the greater the chance that your baby will be born healthy and unharmed!

How to relieve false contractions during pregnancy

In most cases training contractions last a long time and are quite painful. This is very exhausting for the already stressed expectant mother. How can you make false contractions easier?

Reading time: 6 minutes

Pregnancy for a woman becomes a difficult, important period when the body undergoes a serious test. Training contractions are false sensations, which can begin either in the second half of pregnancy or closer to the 40th week. This is not a deviation in the development of the fetus and is not a reason to immediately sound the alarm. Most of the sensations that a woman experiences are aimed at preparing the body for labor.

What are training contractions?

This phenomenon is characterized by paroxysmal tension of the uterus, it does not bring unpleasant sensations and does not cause discomfort. This muscle contraction is also called Braxton-Hicks contractions. They may begin suddenly and at irregular intervals. Some women say that their preparatory contractions repeat once a day, and for some almost every hour. During false abbreviations the expectant mother experiences how the muscles of the uterus tense; attacks of abdominal tension occur at different intervals.

Causes

Not everyone experiences Braxton-Hicks contractions; there are a number of reasons for the appearance of false muscle contractions. The following factors are identified that may affect this:

excessive activity of the mother or fetus;
touching the stomach;
dehydration;
serious physical activity;
stormy intimate life;
psycho-emotional stress;
full bladder.

During actual childbirth, a woman will have to put in a lot of effort, so this process prepares the uterus. If during the entire period of pregnancy the muscles have never tensed, they will remain in a relaxed state and during real labor, there may simply not be enough strength. Immediately before birth, this phenomenon helps to soften the cervix, due to contraction it becomes shorter, which leads to dilatation of the cervix. This is a kind of training for the body to facilitate the process.

Does everyone have

Exists a large number of women who did not experience any training contractions. This does not mean that the muscles of the uterus did not work before childbirth. Expectant mothers may simply not notice them due to pain threshold, lifestyle and other factors. Much depends on individual tolerance, but the uterus will definitely tense up and prepare for labor at certain intervals. Primiparas often do not experience any sensations, but during the second pregnancy they already notice uterine contractions.

How to distinguish training contractions from real ones

Mothers should listen carefully to what is happening in their bodies. For this reason, it is important to know how to distinguish real contractions from training contractions. The main difference is that during prenatal contractions the cervix dilates, but during training contractions this does not happen, which indicates false contractions. There are two main factors that help women distinguish real labor from false labor:

rhythm of contractions;
painful sensations.

Symptoms

A girl should know how to distinguish real contractions from false ones. As a rule, during training contractions a slight tension appears in the lower abdomen. Often the sensation is localized on one side (left or right), lasts a couple of seconds or minutes and passes. Visually, this may look like the baby’s butt or head protruding, and the stomach takes on a “pointed” shape. The expectant mother can get additional benefit from false contractions by starting to do breathing exercises.

As a rule, training contractions are painless. Their intensity may increase with the duration of pregnancy, and sometimes minor pain appears. They can be recognized by 4 main characteristics:

the interval between them is not equal, there is no predictability, the next contraction may last longer or occur earlier than the previous one;
irregularity, less than 6 voltages in 1 hour;
contraction concentrated in one area, may be localized in the lower abdomen, upper uterus or groin;
physical discomfort is felt, but not pain, it gradually subsides and completely disappears.

Feel

Women describe this condition as a sudden tension in the abdomen. The sensations during training contractions do not cause pain; they appear spontaneously, sometimes increase, but more often sharply. The duration of the training contraction is no more than 2 minutes; it passes completely or is repeated after some time. IN in rare cases frequent contractions are accompanied by pain. If it is prolonged and acute, accompanied by discharge, you should immediately call a doctor and go to the hospital.

What week do training contractions begin?

Girls want to know when false cramps may begin, but exact week Not even a gynecologist can tell you. In some women, they occur in the second trimester of pregnancy if there are disturbances in the functioning of the internal secretion organs. In most cases, they begin within 2 weeks and become a harbinger of labor. The hormonal system begins to adjust the biochemical reactions that are needed for real labor. The incidence is higher if the fetus has grown too large.

How long do false contractions last?

The duration of the attacks is one factor indicating that these are training contractions. False contractions last no more than 2 minutes, often even a few seconds. The closer to childbirth, the more often contractions will occur, but the duration will not change. If you experience discomfort, it can be reduced by certain methods. Often the birth breathing technique or switching attention to something more interesting helps.

What to do during training contractions

As a rule, nothing needs to be done; some mothers do not even notice the tension. If they appear bloody issues, strong pain, then this indicates possible premature birth– You must immediately consult a doctor at the hospital. To reduce discomfort during training contractions, you can use the following methods:

Change your body position. Moms who have experience advise lying on your left side and drinking a glass of still water before doing this. Rest helps relieve pain. When it is not possible to lie down, it is recommended to sit down.
Warm shower. Water helps relieve tension and relax the muscles of the body.
Take No-shpa or Papaverine. These are medications from the group of antispasmodics; they help relieve pain, but you should not take them on your own. Before taking, be sure to consult your doctor.

Each human body is unique, so there is no recipe that would suit all girls. Only the girl herself will be able to recognize training spasms, feel them and understand what can be done to relieve them. If this is the first child, then you need to very clearly understand whether this is the beginning of labor, before which irregular and short-term contractions should become more frequent. Otherwise, you will disrupt the natural process of labor. You need to see a doctor if you have the following symptoms:

water breaks;
bloody issues;
pain in the lower back, lower back;
the fetus began to move noticeably less;
diarrhea, nausea;
bleeding;
painful contractions, cramps.

How long after training contractions does labor begin?

The standard pregnancy period is 9 months, but the process begins for every woman at different time: some give birth at 27 weeks, others at 41. Training contractions are even less predictable; they begin individually for each mother and proceed differently. It has been noted that some pregnant women feel them all last trimester constantly, so the body increases muscle tone.

Recorded most early date– 20 week. At this time they are very weak, so not every woman has a way to feel them. Contractions will intensify over time due to the growth of the fetus, unpleasant sensations may appear, and the tension will last longer. The woman in labor clearly feels the contraction at 32-34 weeks. IN last days before childbirth, they strongly resemble labor.

Video

The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and make recommendations for treatment based on individual characteristics specific patient.

Good day to you, dear readers! Did you know that true contractions have several characteristic differences from false ones? And even a first-time mother will be able to distinguish them. There is nothing terrible or terrible here.

Would you like today I will tell you what is happening to your tummy and how to identify contractions that are real? You will also find out how long it will take for labor to begin. Well, let's get started!

A good doctor should always be guided by feelings expectant mother. This should be closely monitored by you yourself! Somewhere after the 20th week, in first-time mothers, the baby inside begins to move. But it is during this period that training contractions can take place. Yes, then they will last several months.

But this doesn't always happen. If they do occur, then most often in the last weeks. Dominic and I had 1.5 weeks before the expected event, often in the evenings. And every time the thought appeared that today we would meet with him. After all, it was already time: I gave birth at 41 weeks! But the meeting was postponed and postponed. But when the time came for real contractions: don’t worry, mom! It is difficult not to distinguish and confuse with something else. You only understand it when they come!

But it happens that the body does not train. You live in peace for all 9 months, and then it all starts! But I can say for sure that the absence of such exercises for our uterus does not bring anything bad. After all, each of us is individual. As nature wills, so it will be. But it’s extremely interesting, what are they? Isn't it time?

Braxton Hicks abbreviations

It wasn't until 1982 that Braxton Hicks discovered the phenomenon of false training our body. Why is this necessary? And why doesn’t it happen to everyone? Until now, the reason for this phenomenon has not been clarified. Some believe that this is a kind of preparation of the woman’s body for the upcoming event. Others argue that this is a reaction of the uterus to a change in hormonal levels.

But there are known signs characteristic of such a phenomenon:

No frequency. Can be often, maybe once a day or a week. Someone like. But the gaps between them are not decreasing.
Duration no more than a minute.
They go away when moving or changing body position.
They do not cause severe pain.
They are not accompanied by the removal of the plug, as can be the case with real ones.
Petrification of the entire abdomen and gentle stretching of the lower abdomen and lower back are a characteristic sign.

It won’t be difficult to recognize false contractions if you watch yourself. Control the time and interval. But it is better not to provoke their appearance once again by overvoltage and stressful situations. Lack of frequency and regularity are the main features of such training. Now let's compare them with the real ones.

Signs of true contractions

How to understand that the contractions that have begun are real and this is the one labor activity? You know, when this happens, a click immediately goes off in your head that this is it. Because this state of affairs is not at all like Braxton Hicks. Of course, the stomach also becomes stone, where would we be without this? But there are several moments that definitely determine that it’s time to go to the maternity hospital!

Unlike deceptive harbingers, these have a regular frequency. At first contractions occur every 30 minutes, then the interval decreases. Gradually the period reaches 5 minutes.
Against the background of a decrease in the intermediate interval (when it is released), the interval of the contractions themselves increases.
The pain is much stronger than with false ones. And they are getting stronger.

If possible, write down the start and interval times on a piece of paper. This will help the doctor get a picture of prenatal activity. Yes, I’ll tell you a little about the sensations. Many people are interested in how contractions begin and what they look like.

So, most often they begin with pain in the lower back, moving to the lower abdomen, as if this pain surrounded you all around. Initially, it may be small, but then it intensifies, often resembling menstrual pain.

In terms of duration, be prepared that this state of affairs will continue until the birth itself. In general, there are some stages here.

Stages

It is impossible to predict how long the process will take. But every woman goes through 3 stages:

Start. On average, it lasts 8 hours. The duration of pain is 35 - 45 seconds, and the interval between them is set to 5 minutes.
Activity. Here the total duration is from 3 to 5 hours. The interval between contractions is 2 minutes, maybe 4. But the contractions last up to a whole minute.
Transition. Signals that the end is approaching. The shortest stage, lasting up to 1.5 hours.

On average, the first time this lasts 12 hours, until the moment of birth. Yes, for multiparous women the time is much shorter. I know some speedsters who managed it in 3 hours! So, how long it takes to give birth depends on whether you have your first child or not. But how can you help yourself with cramping pain?

What to do and how to reduce pain?

During real fights, you need to behave correctly. I understand that it is not always possible to control yourself. But you have to try to remember a few simple rules. Tell me, did you attend any training courses during pregnancy? Surely then you know that you should put aside panic. Because the tension of the whole body contributes to pinching of the blood vessels that provide oxygen to the baby. Is it clear here?

Well, how can we cope then? Good to comply correct breathing. This is the basic principle. Have you heard of this? Do you know how to do it? I'll tell you a little.

An excellent exercise is to inhale slowly through the nose, and exhale slowly through the mouth. Moreover, the ratio here is 1:2. For example, you inhale for 3 seconds, then exhale for 6 seconds. It is clear that no one will detect it. That's why I call it ratio. Control your breathing process. We don’t need tension, I hope you understand why. By the way, this manipulation can also be done during childbirth. A wonderful means of delivering oxygen to your baby!

It's good to take a warm shower, but absolutely!!! Do you hear? Only in the presence of loved ones! And if the waters have receded, it’s better not to risk it, otherwise you’ll get another infection. Now, after the baby is born, you can take a swim. There's not much time left, it's time to go to the hospital!

When to go to the hospital?

If everything is in order and your water has not yet broken, doctors recommend leaving when the interval between contractions reaches 5 minutes. After all, it sometimes starts at 15 or even 30 minutes! But I would advise you to call when you realize that everything is for real! And you will understand when you feel that the pain is intensifying, and the intervals of respite are becoming shorter. Nobody knows how long it will take for you to give birth.

But it happens that the first harbingers of an imminent delivery will be the breaking of water. Then you should immediately go to the hospital or call an ambulance. Because now the baby is not protected by anything, it is necessary that he be born on time.

But there are also several signs that indicate that everything went wrong. And we need it ASAP health care. These include:

Copious bloody discharge. Not the meager ones that come out with a jam, but the generous ones.
And if you do not feel any movement within 12 hours. Of course, before birth the baby becomes quiet. He is already starting to feel cramped, but there should be some movement, I remember they told me that it was about 10 a day. It's good to keep a pushing diary. When you give birth, it will be nice to remember by looking there!

But what if there are no warning signs at all? What then?

How to speed up labor?

I will recommend the 3 most effective methods:

The most popular advice is to move! Moderately, of course. But just don’t go far from home, because it’s unknown how long it will take for the baby to want to be born! You can go up and down the stairs.
And here is another method from the grandmother’s category: massage of the nipples and the area around the nipples. Imagine, this simple action can cause uterine contractions!
Intimacy with my husband. But only if there are no contraindications! And once the plug has come out, you definitely shouldn’t do this. After all, the baby is now unprotected from unpredictable infections!

Is it clear how to call? But I think it will happen on its own for you. And according to plan! Now share how you are doing? Have you had any training? How active is the baby? I look forward to your comments! And, of course, subscribe to blog updates! All the best! Bye!