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Predictive contractions can stress future parents. However, they are only a signal that the woman’s body is getting ready for childbirth. Predictive contractions are Braxton-Hicks contractions. They may be felt long before labor begins. How do you tell them apart from labor contractions?
Predictive contractions are often taken as a signal to start premature labor. It was first described by obstetrician John Braxton-Hicks. These contractions are merely a way to prepare the uterus for labor in labor. It happens that they are quite strong, but completely harmless. Their appearance is an individual matter. However, it can be assumed that they appear around mid-pregnancy.
Predictive contractions – characteristics
Feeling the contractions of the foretakers is very individual. For some women it is similar to the pain of menstruation, and for others it is only a mild discomfort. Sometimes the pain associated with predictive contractions interferes with the normal daily functioning of the pregnant woman.
The predictive contractions are first felt at the top of the abdomen, where the bottom of the uterus is, and it gradually moves downward. It usually lasts around 30 seconds and is not strong or frequent at first. The older the pregnancy, the longer, stronger and more frequent the predictive contractions become.
The frequency of predictive contractions towards the end of pregnancy is often confused with labor contractions. However, it should be remembered that your labor contractions increase by the hour, while the predictive contractions usually stop after an hour. Another symptom of labor is loss of fluid, diarrhea and loss of the fetal plug. In addition, the pain associated with childbirth is distressing and affects both the back and the abdomen.
Predictive contractions – occurrence
There are no rules that determine when predictive contractions will occur at a certain point in pregnancy. This is a very individual matter, but it has been accepted that they usually appear halfway through pregnancy, i.e. after the 20th week of pregnancy.
The appearance of predictive contractions is due to many different factors, such as exercise or fatigue. These contractions can also appear when the baby is touched and stroked, or even when the baby is very mobile. The mother may also be dehydrated, so it is important to drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
Predictive contractions – intensity
Predictive contractions can be very painful. They often have a significant negative impact on the quality of life of a pregnant woman. The pain of predictive contractions can be easily relieved. It will be effective:
- warm but not hot bath;
- change of position (e.g. lying down);
- walking around the room (especially when the contractions happen at night and wake the pregnant woman);
- relaxation techniques (closed eyes and calm breathing);
- if other methods fail – painkillers.
Predictive contractions – when to go to hospital
The predictive contractions should go away on their own after about an hour. If this does not happen or your contractions worsen, see a doctor quickly. It may turn out that the labor operation has started.
If, on the other hand, bleeding occurs along with your contractions, you should go to the hospital immediately, as this could mean, for example, a detachable placenta. Bleeding in each case is a signal that should prompt us to visit the hospital.
Contractions and the loss of amniotic fluid or a feeling of crowding in your back and abdomen are signals that labor has begun.
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