What are the symptoms of pregnancy contractions?
During pregnancy, uterine contractions are a physiological phenomenon that expectant mothers often encounter. Uterine contractions are divided into false contractions and true contractions, and it is very important for expectant mothers to understand their differences and symptoms. This article will introduce in detail the symptoms, types and coping methods of pregnancy contractions to help expectant mothers better cope with this phenomenon.
1. Types of contractions
There are two main types of uterine contractions: false contractions and true contractions. Here's how they compare:
| Type | Features | Occurrence time | duration | pain level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| False contractions | Irregular, irregular | Second trimester to third trimester | Brief, usually seconds to minutes | Mild discomfort or no obvious pain |
| true contractions | regular, gradually strengthened | Before giving birth | Lasts 30-70 seconds, the interval gradually shortens | The pain is significant and may be unbearable |
2. Symptoms of false contractions
False contractions, also called Braxton Hicks contractions, are an exercise in preparation for labor by the uterus. The following are common symptoms of false contractions:
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| irregularity | Contractions are irregular, with varying intervals |
| No pain or mild discomfort | Usually does not cause severe pain, may be just abdominal tightness |
| relieved by rest | Contractions usually go away after changing position or resting |
| locality | Contractions may occur only in one part of the abdomen |
3. Symptoms of true uterine contractions
True uterine contractions are a sign of labor. The following are common symptoms of true uterine contractions:
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| regularity | The interval between contractions gradually shortens and the intensity gradually increases |
| pain | Pain starting in the back and gradually spreading to the abdomen |
| duration | Each contraction lasts 30-70 seconds, and the interval gradually shortens from 10 minutes to 1-2 minutes |
| No relief after rest | Contractions that don’t go away after changing positions or resting |
4. How to deal with contractions
Whether it is false contractions or real contractions, expectant mothers need to learn how to deal with them. Here are some common ways to respond:
| Coping methods | Applicable situations |
|---|---|
| change posture | When you have false contractions, you can try lying down or taking a walk to relieve them. |
| Take a deep breath | Deep breathing can help relax the body and reduce pain |
| drink water | Dehydration may cause false contractions, so replenish water in time |
| Seek medical advice | If contractions are frequent or painful, seek medical attention immediately |
5. When Do You Need Medical Treatment?
Although uterine contractions are a normal physiological phenomenon, there are certain situations where immediate medical attention is required:
| situation | Description |
|---|---|
| Frequent contractions | More than 4 contractions per hour, especially before 37 weeks of pregnancy |
| severe pain | Contractions accompanied by excruciating pain |
| vaginal bleeding | Contractions accompanied by vaginal bleeding or discharge |
| Reduced fetal movement | Fetal movement significantly reduces or disappears during uterine contractions |
6. Summary
Contractions during pregnancy are normal, but expectant mothers need to learn to distinguish between false contractions and real contractions. False contractions are usually irregular and painless, while true contractions are regular and painful. False uterine contractions can be relieved by changing postures, taking deep breaths, etc. However, if frequent uterine contractions, severe pain or other abnormal symptoms occur, you should seek medical treatment in time. I hope this article can help expectant mothers better understand contractions and spend their pregnancy with peace of mind.
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