How pre-labor contractions begin

During pregnancy, a woman feels a variety of sensations, ranging from unusual taste preferences to pulling pain in the lower back. And with the approaching date childbirth the mother-to-be is more attentive to her feelings, trying not to miss the onset of contractions.

How to distinguish contractions from training

In order not to suffer unnecessary suspicions, it is important for a pregnant woman to be able to distinguish training contractions from real ones. These contractions were first described in the late 19th century. It was agreed that such contractions were designed specifically to prepare a woman's body for childbirth. In the process of training contractions, the uterus and its cervix are prepared for labor.

There are several differences that make it possible to distinguish real fights from training ones, or, as they are also called, false ones:

• Contractions of a training nature are of an irregular nature, with different periods of time between them.
• Such contractions do not cause pain to a woman, at most they are unpleasant sensations.
• After a change of position, the contractions usually subside. To do this, you just need to get up and walk or, on the contrary, lie down.
• As a result of false contractions, the neck does not open.

How to count contractions

Before you know how to count your contractions, it's a good idea to understand the signs that labor is about to begin. Usually, childbirth occurs between 37 and 40 weeks. This is considered the norm. Signs of the imminent approach of childbirth include:

• Outpouring of waters... If your amniotic fluid begins to drain, then this definitely indicates that you will see your baby very soon. Even if you do not have contractions at the same time, it is no longer possible to stop the labor process.
• Cork outlet. If you have had training contractions, a mucus plug may come out that is blocking the cervical canal. This phenomenon does not mean an immediate start. childbirth, in fact, the birth of a baby can occur in a few days.
• The third sign is contractions. They gradually lengthen, and the gap between them is reduced.

During a contraction, the abdominal muscles tense, a woman often has a change in pulse and breathing rate. The svatka ends at the moment when the uterus completely relaxes. The second fight begins after a certain period of time. It can be from a few minutes to half an hour.

When you feel the first contraction, remember and write down its duration. Then wait for the second contraction and record the length of time between contractions. It usually lasts as long as the first contraction, or a little longer. Continue to record the duration of the contractions themselves and the intervals between them. The duration of the contractions will increase, and the interval between them will gradually decrease.

How to breathe during contractions

Breathing technique during contractions is very important. If you breathe correctly, you can ease painful sensations and help your baby to be born as soon as possible.

As a rule, obstetricians advise women in labor to breathe during a contraction using a technique called "Candle". To do this, during the entire contraction, it is necessary to inhale through the nose, and then exhale through the mouth. To better understand the technique, imagine trying to put out a candle. Inhales and exhales should be quick and shallow. In the process of such breathing in the body, an increased production of endorphins occurs, which reduce pain.

Contractions began - when to go to the hospital

As soon as you feel the contractions, start counting them. Usually, at the beginning of labor, the expectant mother does not feel much discomfort. Contractions at this time are short, and the interval between them reaches 20 minutes. In the labor itself, the interval between contractions is reduced to 3 minutes. This process lasts up to 12 hours in primiparous women, and in multiparous women it is reduced to 6 hours.

You should go to the maternity hospital at a time when the interval between contractions has decreased to 10 minutes, and the contractions themselves have become regular. Also, as soon as possible, you need to go to the hospital and in the event that the amniotic fluid has departed, but the contractions have not begun.