Correct understanding of uterine contractions

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Thi Phuong - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Depending on the time of pregnancy and the nature of the pain, pregnant women can accurately predict the type of uterine contractions, thereby helping to timely protect the fetus in emergency situations such as preterm labor, fetal movement, etc. ...

1. Braxton-Hicks contractions (physiological contractions)

Braxton-Hicks contractions, also known as false labor contractions, appear around the 4th month of pregnancy, are often irregular and non-cyclical. These contractions are the first step for the uterus to train for the day of childbirth and exercise a woman's stamina. Physiological contractions have the following characteristics:
Lasts about 30 seconds, comes on suddenly (usually disappears on its own at rest), does not occur, does not feel pain, but is tight in the lower abdomen. It is also possible that it is not uterine contractions but due to increased bowel movements due to uterine compression, which is not worrisome. Pregnant women can take conventional tocolytics if they feel uncomfortable.
Physiological contractions do not increase over time as well as more painful, do not change the cervix. These contractions often appear when tired, dehydrated or walking too much and will disappear with rest or relaxation.
To reduce contractions, pregnant women should drink a lot of water, switch to a pain-relieving position, take time to rest (lying on the left side). If you've tried all of the above and your contractions still don't go away or are occurring more frequently, you should see your doctor right away because there's a risk that you'll have a preterm delivery.

2. Full-term labor contractions

Labor contractions after 37 weeks are called full-term labor. Labor contractions are signs of impending labor with the following common features:
Lower abdominal pain and episodes (10 minutes/time) The pain is getting stronger and thicker, and the frequency is getting thicker Pink vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid ( rupture of membranes) Labor contractions are divided into 2 stages:
2.1. Early stage before labor The degree of contractions in this stage is still gentle, pregnant women will feel a tightening of the uterus or lower abdomen, lasting from 30 to 90 seconds. These contractions will appear gradually increasing in distance and intensity, the closer to labor, the thicker the contractions will appear, maybe every 5 minutes.
During this period, pregnant women should pay attention to the signs that help recognize real labor such as seeing pink mucus from the cervix due to the dilation of the cervix, even the rupture of membranes.
2.2. Real labor During the stage of labor, the cervix dilates from 7-10cm, uterine contractions will take place continuously and the pain nature increases, lasting from 60-90 seconds after 30 seconds - 2 minutes . The contractions can spread from the back to the front of the abdomen, causing leg cramps and pain. The contractions can even happen continuously, overlapping to push the baby out. During labor, contractions can cause pregnant women to have headaches, nausea, hot flashes or chills, headaches, etc. Pregnant women need to be hospitalized for a safe delivery, minimizing complications for the baby. both mother and baby.

3. Premature labor contractions

Uterine contractions occurring before 37 weeks can be a sign of preterm labor. The nature of contractions of preterm labor is similar to that of full-term labor. It is a regular occurrence in a time cycle such as every 10 - 12 minutes for more than 1 hour, the feeling of tightening of the uterus and the abdomen will be harder.
If the contractions are not yet full term, pregnant women should go to the hospital immediately, especially if they are accompanied by vaginal bleeding, diarrhea, or water coming out of the vagina (broken membranes). ).
Pregnant women can also predict preterm birth if the antenatal examination shows:
Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets) Abnormalities of uterus, cervix or placenta Smoking or certain drugs , stimulant Unhealthy living habits: Not sleeping on time, a lot of stress, ... Having a history of premature birth Having an infection Being underweight or obese before pregnancy No regular antenatal check-up and proper pregnancy care.

4. How to help pregnant women reduce uterine contractions during pregnancy

When the body appears labor contractions or physiological contractions, pregnant women can refer to some tips below to reduce pain such as:
If it is Braxton-Hicks contractions, the mother should take a warm bath or shower. Take a shower with warm water (just take a quick shower and pay attention to the water temperature) or use a warm water bottle wrapped in a soft towel to gently apply to the pregnant belly.

If there are signs of labor, pregnant women need to be hospitalized promptly, especially in case of premature birth. In the meantime, some measures like breathing slowly and then drinking a glass of warm water can help ease the pain. Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with a full range of antenatal check-ups, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and other routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus is developing comprehensively. Pregnant women will be consulted and checked for health under the close supervision of experienced and specialized obstetricians, helping mothers gain more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as minimize complications affecting mother and child.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.