What are the Different Types of Contractions and What They Mean?
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-Uterine muscles contract and release -Usually in response to uterus stretching or baby moving -Like a muscle twitch |
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-Strong tightening -Someone giving you a uncomfortable hug -Usually felt in front of belly |
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-Could start as early as 6 weeks pregnant |
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-May change or stop with activity or position changes |
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-Don’t have a regular pattern -Usually weak in intensity -Do not get stronger over time |
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-Continue with daily activity as normal -???????????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????? |
Early Labour Contractions
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-Uterine muscles contract and release -Cervix changes in thickness, position, softens and opens a small amount -Baby moves slightly lower and puts more pressure on cervix -0-6 cms |
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-Menstrual cramps -Typically low in pelvis |
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-With first baby it typically starts after 35 weeks and usually closer to 39-40 weeks -Subsequent pregnancies can start as early at 20 weeks |
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-Usually increases with activity -Decreases with rest |
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-5-60 mins apart or more -Last for 15-45 secs -Usually described as mild in intensity -Can answer questions during a contraction |
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-Take a bath -Get some sleep -Stay hydrated and eat light meals -Be patient -Message your doula with updates or changes in pattern |
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-Uterine contractions are continuing to thin the cervix and dilate to approx. 7 cms |
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-Strong menstrual cramps -Radiation to or from low back |
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-Typically after 37 weeks and closer to 40-41 weeks for first time pregnancies |
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-Is not affected by activty or rest -Continues to get more intense over time |
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-3-5 mins apart -60+ secs long -Contractions do not go away with a bath or rest -Do not like talking during a contraction -Prefer to focus and breathe |
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-Find a rhythm to breath and body movements -Rocking/swaying -Stay upright as much as possible -Drink fluids -Eat small bites of easily digested foods right after a contraction finishes -Use heat on low back -Take shower or bath as desired -Massage low back and hips |
We are now into the final stage of contractions and in the homestretch now!
Baby will be here before you know it, you are strong and you can do it!
Transition Contractions
| What is happening
-Dilating cervix from 7-10 cms -Shifting to moving baby down and into pushing position |
What does it feel like?
-Feelings of overwhelm -Rush of emotions -Strong contractions that may be accompanied by a feeling of “”pressure””” |
| When in pregnancy does it usually start?
-End of active labour |
What is the effect on activity? -Is not effeced by activity |
| How to asses?
-2 mins apart -90 secs long -Very intense -Trouble coping with contractions |
What should you do?
-Stay positive, your baby is coming -Focus on not pushing until the cervix is fully dilated -Use ‘H’ sound like “”ha, ho, who, house etc” -Use polar bear postion to ease urge to push |
Hopefully this information provides a little more clarity and helps prepare you for the journey that is to come. Do you have any further questions? We would love to chat! Contact us now for a complementary consultation.
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