Pregnancy lasts 9 months and in the last 2-3 months women can have false contractions which don’t mean that the baby is coming yet.
With the advancement of pregnancy in a woman occurred a number of processes that prepare her for the impending birth.
One of the precursors of birth are more obvious, others less, and there are those who definitely startled the mother, especially if expecting her first child. These contractions, which it approaches the term is a clear signal that the event ahead soon. But how to distinguish true and false contractions you may have long before the end of the pregnancy.
False alarm
Contractions are a natural process of regular reduction of the uterus that mothers perceive varying intensity after the first trimester of pregnancy. These early contractions, contractions called Braxton-Hicks, named after the British obstetrician who first described them in 1872, help prepare the uterus and cervix for birth. They increase blood flow and oxygen to the placenta and baby. These contractions are usually irregular and painless. Since they affects the cervix, they are not dangerous and do not lead to increased risk of premature birth. Some mothers said they had false contractions only during her first pregnancy, while others have never experienced them. This depends largely on the sensitivity of the uterus. It is a muscle that is affected by emotions, hormones and stress of the pregnant woman. All pregnant women feel a slight hardening of the abdomen with strong emotions and exhaustion, but that feeling was short-lived and not accompanied by pain, but rather is associated with fullness and tightness.
How to reduce the discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions?
Change your body position and physical activity. Sometimes walks can help. In other cases, peace is the better solution – you will feel what is right for you.
You can relax with a warm bath or shower to help your body relax.
Move and breathe slowly and deeply. This will not stop the Braxton Hicks contractions, but you will reduce the unpleasant sensations.
How to recognize real contractions?
Contractions become rhythmic and occur every 4-10 minutes;
Each contraction lasts about a minute;
Contractions do not stop when you change your posture;
It is now impossible to ignore the pain because they are distributed in the waist and hips.
True contractions are often wire and any of the following: tension in the pelvis or vagina, cramps as the occurrence of menstrual periods, bleeding, and leakage of amniotic fluid, which requires urgent departure to the hospital.
You need to know …
When real contractions start, in any case do take painkillers. Try to relax and not panic. Pain at this point is blunting, if you move, so do not rush to occupy a horizontal position.
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