Early Pregnancy Uterine Contractions: Causes, Risks, and When to Seek Help

Doctor Trinh Thi Thanh Huyen, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital, provided expert consultation for this article.

The uterus is a hollow organ that embraces and nourishes the ovary from the moment it is fertilized until it matures into a healthy fetus ready for birth. So, is it harmful for a pregnant woman to have uterine contractions throughout the first three months of her pregnancy?

1. What are uterine contractions?

Uterine contractions, also known as uterine contractions, are a phenomenon when the ligaments of the uterus are stretched and contracted, causing the uterus to contract. Uterine contractions in the first trimester are common but do not last long and do not cause pain to mothers. 
Uterine contractions are muscle contractions that occur in the mother's uterus to help with childbirth. Each contraction pushes the fetus out of the mother's pelvis and is a part of labor in the process of giving birth to a baby.
Contractions create two important events that occur before the baby is ready to be born: cervical engorgement and cervical dilation. Dilation is the thinning of the cervix, whereas dilation is the opening of the cervix. As the baby's head descends into the pelvis, it pushes against the cervix. The baby's head is the reason the cervix dilates and thins out. As the cervix thins out, it also begins to open.
Since uterine contractions are always present in a growing uterus, they are distinguished based on their frequency, amplitude, duration, and direction of propagation. Although there have been recent advances in knowledge regarding uterine contractions, there is still a massive gap in understanding the physiology involved at the cellular and molecular levels.
During pregnancy's first and third trimesters, you may experience contractions where your abdomen tightens and becomes firm to the touch, then relaxes. These are contractions (contractions) of the uterine muscles known as Braxton Hicks contractions.
These regular contractions can be mild or strong enough to make you stop what you are doing. Braxton Hicks contractions can start as early as the 20th week of pregnancy, but they usually start between the 28th and 30th weeks.
Braxton Hicks contractions can occur frequently in the ninth month, such as every 10 to 20 minutes. They usually go away with exercise or activity. Actual labor pains continue or increase with activity. Contractions often occur more often while resting.

2. Are uterine contractions in the first trimester dangerous?

Uterine contractions during pregnancy are understood as when the fetus grows more significant, and the uterine ligaments are stretched and stretched, causing contractions to appear.
Contractions often occur in the first 3 months are standard; they are not painful and do not last long. Contractions make the uterus feel like it is rolling up, and the abdominal muscles contract for a few seconds, returning to normal.
Each uterine contraction lasts from 10 seconds to 20 seconds or, if longer, 1 minute. However, uterine contractions in the first 3 months accompanied by symptoms of bleeding and abdominal pain are dangerous signs that pregnant mothers need to pay attention to and see a doctor for examination and advice.

3. Causes and signs of uterine contractions in the first 3 months

Contractions begin when the pituitary gland secretes the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin stimulates the muscles in the uterus to begin tightening and relaxing.
Contractions cause the top of the uterus to contract to push the baby down. They also soften and stretch the lower part of the uterus and the cervix (the opening of the uterus) to allow the baby to pass through.
When mothers are pregnant, uterine contractions can occur many times a day and usually do not affect the health of the mother and baby. Nevertheless, when the contractions increase due to many causes, and there are signs of uterine contractions in the first 3 months:

  • Contractions due to diarrhea in the mother: When having diarrhea, the uterus will contract more than usual; each contraction lasts 2 to 3 minutes, sometimes more. Contractions due to diarrhea in the mother can easily cause miscarriage in the first 3 months or premature birth.
  • Uterine contractions are abnormal signs such as pain lasting from 40 seconds; muscular uterine contractions appear with signs of back pain; this shows that the uterus is tending to open. If the mother is pregnant in the first 3 months, the mother feels abdominal pain and back pain; these are signs of miscarriage.
  • Uterine contractions can indicate signs of fetal demise during the first trimester of pregnancy. Mothers who previously experienced morning sickness may notice the disappearance of these symptoms. Additionally, the breasts, which were initially engorged, may shrink, and the abdomen may appear smaller. The uterine contractions are irregular, varying in frequency and intensity—sometimes frequent, sometimes infrequent, and alternating between strong and weak. These are significant signs of a missed miscarriage.

4. What are some exercises for uterine contractions?

Stretching exercises are an effective way to manage muscle spasms, including uterine contractions. The following exercises may be helpful:

4.1. Basic neck stretches

To perform a basic neck stretch:

  • Place your right hand on top of your head.
  • Gently pull your head down toward the right side of your chest.
  • Repeat on the left side.
  • Perform this exercise three times on each side.

4.2. Facial stretches

  • Stand upright and clasp your hands behind your back, gripping your right wrist with your left hand.
  • Use your left hand to pull your right arm and shoulder downward.
  • Meanwhile, tilt your head to the left to stretch the right side of your neck.
  • Repeat three times for each side.

4.3. Neck flexion and head lifts

To perform neck rolls and head lifts:

  • Lie down as if you are preparing to do a sit-up.
  • Place your hands behind your head and tuck your chin toward your chest.
  • Lift your head slightly off the floor while keeping your shoulders on the ground.
  • Repeat this exercise five times.

To ensure the health and safety of both the mother and fetus, professors recommend that they enroll in comprehensive maternity care packages at reputable medical facilities. These packages provide regular monitoring and consultation with healthcare professionals, ensuring timely management of any complications or risks that may arise during pregnancy and postpartum.

To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.

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