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Every woman is aware that during childbirth, she must “endure” pain which often indicates that the baby is ready to come into the world. Throughout these nine months, all future mothers prepare and practice breathing, mental strength, and concentration to alleviate pain.

Contractions are an inevitability during every pregnancy, whether it is in the fifth or ninth month, and they signify the changing processes through which the fetus passes, as well as the internal organs of the mother. However, there are several types of contractions and the difference between them can often be difficult to understand.

What do contractions look like during pregnancy?

In the case of pregnancy, contractions are a normal occurrence and stem from the fact that the uterus, as a muscle containing the fetus within its walls, changes shape (elongates and expands).

Contractions can be moderate, mild, or strong (pre-labor), and are harmless, even desirable – as they help the baby to assume the position that suits it best (as labor approaches, the baby moves closer to the pelvis).

How painful and frequent contractions are varies from woman to woman. For some women, they occur only a few times a day, while for others the frequency can be significantly higher.

If you are unsure of what causes contractions during pregnancy, and everything is fine with the baby – pay attention to stressful situations and fatigue. They can greatly impact the occurrence of contractions, while it is normal to expect them daily around the 6th month.

Contractions in early pregnancy

The earliest you might expect the onset of contractions is around the third month of pregnancy (in the first trimester). Although uterine contractions in early pregnancy are nothing to worry about, if they last more than 60 seconds – you should consult a doctor who will best determine the cause of the contractions and whether you need to rest.

If contractions in early pregnancy are irregular and occur only a few times a day without increasing in intensity and only cause tightening of the abdomen without back pain, they are usually “false labor pains”.

If contractions are very brief, almost painless (or painless), you can safely enjoy your pregnancy. However, if there is (mild or severe) bleeding as well as strong pain – do not panic and visit a doctor.

More serious contractions in early pregnancy can lead to a miscarriage, so strictly follow your doctor's advice. During this period, you will most likely be prescribed utrogestan – which helps maintain the pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic contractions that can occur even in very early pregnancy, but they usually appear only in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Such contractions are irregular, last about one minute, and are usually not painful but cause mild discomfort.

They are named after the English doctor John Braxton Hicks who in 1872 observed that many women experience uterine contractions before the onset of labor.

It is believed that Braxton Hicks contractions help the body prepare for labor, but they do not necessarily affect the shortening of the cervix. Not all pregnant women experience them during pregnancy, while some feel them daily over several weeks.

Contractions at 6th and 7th month of pregnancy

When the uterus enlarges significantly, which is around the 6th month, you may feel contractions without having to place your hand on your abdomen as you did in earlier months.

The baby also moves during contractions at this stage of pregnancy, but the contraction of the uterus does not bother it as it is protected by amniotic fluid which prevents pressure from affecting it.

If these contractions are rare, brief, and painless, there is no need for concern. Try to view them as a type of exercise, with the baby “training” to assume a proper, vertical position with its head down – for an easier delivery.

Normal contractions help the baby move its head closer to the bony part of the pelvis and the cervix which are approximately at the same level. If just before labor begins the baby’s head is well positioned in relation to the birth canal and bony passage, the entire delivery is likely to proceed smoothly.

If the described contractions start occurring more frequently, pay attention to external factors negatively affecting the pregnant woman (stress, travel, work, etc.), and consult a doctor – who will assess the cervix’s openness and condition.

Contractions before labor

At the beginning of labor, three to four contractions in 10 minutes are typical. Then, in the so-called second stage of labor, there may be up to five contractions in 10 minutes.

Normal labor is characterized by regular, i.e., coordinated uterine contractions that easily and effectively dilate the cervix. About 200 contractions are needed for a normal delivery, with the labor lasting about 12 hours for first-time mothers and from five to eight hours for those who have given birth before.

The typical reason for the occurrence of contractions is to prepare the uterus and pelvis (and the woman herself) for the act of childbirth. Contractions before labor are initially felt as mild pain or tension in the lower abdomen. At this stage, expectant mothers first attempt to determine if contractions are real or false.

What do false contractions look like?

False contractions during pregnancy are easiest to recognize because they are very short-lived and do not occur continuously. They may also occur as pain (slightly stronger pressure) in the lower back, but certainly do not represent a reason to head to the hospital.

False contractions symptoms and meaning

False contractions during pregnancy or false labor pains usually occur due to the baby's position in the uterus. The baby is trying to find a suitable and comfortable position before the “exit” into the outside world. Learn to recognize false contractions with a few clear indicators:

• Timing is irregular.
• Intensity does not increase over time.
• They are not painful or unpleasant.
• Felt only in the lower abdomen.
• Changing positions can completely stop them.

True contractions before labor

When can you be sure it’s time to head to the hospital? When the uterine contractions become continuous, meaning they occur every 10 minutes, then every 5 minutes, and the level of pain increases – it is clear that these are true labor contractions, which indicate that the baby is ready to be born.

Also watch for some of the following signs that will show you how to recognize contractions before labor:

• They occur in regular time intervals, which shorten over time.
• Intensity increases, becoming more uncomfortable as time goes on.
• Last 40 to 60 seconds.
• Do not stop regardless of position changes or activity.
• Felt in the lower abdomen, upper abdomen, lower back, or radiating from the back to the lower abdomen.
• Sometimes accompanied by diarrhea, making them resemble digestive issues.
• Associated with the expulsion of a bloody mucus plug.
• Accompanied by the breaking of the water.

How to ease contractions?

Although contractions cannot be stopped, there are several tricks to alleviate the pain and ease the stress your body is undergoing.

• Practice breathing exercises.
• Change your position.
• Take a warm bath.
• Massage your lower back.
• Get some rest when contractions are less frequent.
• Stay hydrated.
• Speak to a doctor about pain relief.

By making sure you are well-prepared and informed, the labor process will be more manageable and less stressful.