What Are Contraction Pains Like During Labor?

A recurring question among first-time mothers is: what are contraction pains like and what are the measures that help identify when the baby is close to being born. This concern often comes up especially after nine months of pregnancy, a situation in which the mother should be attentive to these signs. Contraction is a sensation of tightening and relaxing of the uterus, which may be accompanied by pain or just a mild discomfort¹. The movement occurs in order to dilate the uterine walls and help “push” the baby toward the birth canal when birth is near.

What Are the Differences Between True and False Contractions?

This question often concerns pregnant women who fear confusing these situations. However, false contractions and those that signal it’s time for birth show signs that can help differentiate them. In the mid-1970s, obstetrician J. Braxton Hicks observed that the uterine muscle contracted from the first trimester of pregnancy, which means this is not yet the right time for birth and dispelled the myth that contractions only appear at labor. The difference is that contractions in these situations are not painful and may occur from time to time throughout pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions mimic false labor and remember: they are painless². From the 20th week of pregnancy, uterine contractions along with a sensation of relaxation may occur sporadically. However, there are pregnant women who never feel this type of movement in the uterine region and will only notice true contractions at the moment of labor. False contractions may occur after a busy and active day. It is important for the pregnant woman to stay relaxed, rest, and hydrate by drinking water. Hicks contractions are painless, but may cause discomfort; if you notice these symptoms frequently, contact your obstetrician for safety.

True Contractions and the Moment of Labor

Women who do not usually feel contractions will easily identify uterine movements indicating labor is imminent. In this case, they are frequent, regular, and painful. It is quite common in a first pregnancy for the mother to be confused by these signs, as each woman may experience different symptoms. Unlike false contractions, true contractions are intense, tighten the abdomen, and cause a lot of pain. The closer you are to labor, the more rhythmic, painful, and intense the contractions will be. The woman’s body is prepared for childbirth and naturally widens the pelvis area to allow the baby to pass through and push them to the exit canal. Especially after reaching nine months, the pregnant woman should pay attention to these signs and, upon noticing the symptoms, go immediately to the hospital or maternity where she will give birth. In the medical environment it is possible to monitor contractions using a cardiotocograph, a device that records contraction intensity, the interval, and the baby’s heart rate, indicating the ideal time for delivery.

The Moment of Birth Has Arrived!

As the birth approaches, contractions will become regular, lasting between 40 and 50 seconds and occurring roughly every 10 minutes. The baby is pushed further into the birth canal³. When the appropriate time for birth arrives, dilation is usually around 3 cm. These days, there are various electronic ultrasound devices that accurately indicate the precise time the obstetrician should start labor for the health of both the mother and baby. Staying calm and paying attention to the duration and frequency of contractions will help the mother identify the right moment for her child’s birth.

Other Signs That Indicate Labor Is Near:

Loss of water through the vagina: rupture of the membranes or “water bag” that accumulates amniotic fluid during pregnancy. It is painless, and the pregnant woman will notice a warm watery fluid running down her leg. Discharge of the mucus plug: from the last few weeks, the cervix starts to thin and prepare for labor, and the mucus plug may be lost. The symptom is generally characterized by discharge of a mucous substance from the vagina and, in some cases, streaks of blood. If you notice a significant amount of blood, consult your doctor. False contractions: they may also appear as labor approaches. But it’s important to remember that false contractions are painless and may stop with a simple change in position. False contractions are limited to the belly and groin area, unlike labor contractions that spread from the back to the belly. See also: Labor Symptoms – Is It Time? Photo: TawnyNina