During pregnancy we usually talk about contractions as if there were only one type: those that indicate that labor is about to begin. But it is not like that, during pregnancy there are up to 6 different types of contractions, with differentiated functions. We will explain one by one so that you can differentiate them and know what each type is for.
The uterus throughout the pregnancy, adapts to the new life that is developing. To achieve this, it makes use of its elasticity and with the contractions it strengthens and exercises for when the moment of delivery arrives. Let's see what it is for contraction during pregnancy and the types that there are.
Contractions of A
The first contractions They appear from week 6 of pregnancy to week 28. They are called A or Alvarez contractions. Are from very low intensity and frequency, you will not even know that they occur. They serve so that the uterus is exercising.
Braxton Hicks contractions
They are a type of contractions that occur throughout the entire pregnancy. Many times they will go unnoticed since they are not usually accompanied by pain, at most a discomfort in the lower abdomen. They are usually infrequent, irregular in time, without rhythm and usually without pain although if somewhat uncomfortable. They just hit the same as they started. They start early in pregnancy until near the end of pregnancy. They usually last about 30 seconds and occur in isolation. They disappear with rest or when changing posture.
Its function is train the uterus for childbirth. If they are painful, they repeat 4 times in an hour and the due date is still far away, see your doctor immediately.
Prodomic contractions
These types of contractions are already more annoying than the previous ones. They are also known as "false labor". His function consists is that the effacement of the cervix so that the baby can descend through natural delivery. Do not miss the article on all the details about effacement of the cervix here.
These contractions are irregular, arrhythmic and last about 15-20 seconds. They are noticed in the lower abdomen or groin.
Labor contractions
These contractions are already regular, painful and increasing in intensity as the time of delivery approaches. You will know how to identify them because they are very painful, widely spaced and manifest from 3 to 5 contractions every 10 minutes. Its function is to dilate the cervix that allows the baby to come out. The pain is felt in the lower abdomen that can radiate to the hips and lower back.
When it's time your doctor or midwife will ask you to push. Your baby is here!
Labor contractions
Your baby has already arrived in the world! Once the baby is born, it is necessary expel the placenta. These contractions are necessary for it to occur naturally. This usually happens about 15 minutes after giving birth. They may be a little annoying but less than those of childbirth.
Postpartum contractions
These types of contractions occur days after delivery. Its function is to make the uterus contracts to return to its original shape. They usually last a few days, it depends on each woman. They are located in the lower part of the belly.
How to reduce the number of contractions?
As we have seen, contractions have a function for birth. They are necessary. But sometimes our emotions and activities can generate anxiety, tension and stress that cause contractions. We make some small recommendations if you are pregnant:
- Do not exert yourself. Although we are not sick, but pregnant, we can no longer make the efforts we did before. Especially when the belly has already started to feel good. Can you do gentle exercisesIf you have doubts, you can consult your gynecologist.
- Relax. Free yourself of tensions and stress that may affect your baby. The first thing is your health, you have to learn to take things with patience.
- Avoid strong negative emotions. It is normal to be sad or angry, but intense emotions generate a great deal of stress that can affect pregnancy. If you already know that there are situations that generate anxiety or stress, try to avoid them as much as possible.
Why remember ... if you notice something strange or have doubts, consult your doctor.