PREGNANCY CONTRACTIONS: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Contractions do an amazing job during labour, helping you give birth to your baby. The way contractions feel is very individual and every woman’s birth experience is unique and personal to them. Here we bring you our essential guide on things you need to know about contractions – answering your popular FAQs from the different types of contractions, to when to ring your midwife.

What are contractions?

A contraction is the powerful muscles in your womb (uterus) tightening then relaxing to help you give birth. In the first stage of your labour, regular contractions slowly open the entrance to your womb (the cervix), ready for your baby to go through. In the second stage, contractions ease your baby down through your vagina (birth canal) and out into the world. In the third stage, they expel the placenta and membranes and help to control any bleeding.

You may get contractions before labour, known as Braxton Hicks, which feel quite different from the contractions in labour - they don’t dilate the cervix, they’re generally painless and they happen irregularly  When your labour  is starting, contractions change, becoming more frequent and more painful.

How will I know the difference between real contractions and Braxton hicks?

You may get these Braxton Hicks, or ‘practice’ contractions during your pregnancy. You’ll feel your abdomen tighten and relax again, just like regular contractions. They are usually painless, although they can be uncomfortable. If you experience pain, this could mean that labour is starting. If your baby is not due or you are concerned, you must contact your midwife or the hospital.

What does it mean to time your contractions?

It's important to keep an eye on how much time passes between your contractions, as it can help to track the progress of labour. You should call your midwife for guidance when your contractions are in a regular pattern and last at least 60 seconds and/or come every 5 minutes.

What do labour contractions feel like?

If you put your hand on your tummy during a contraction, you'll feel it getting harder. Then as the muscles relax and the pain fades, you’ll feel it soften again.

Like most things, the way it feels is unique to you. Some describe the pain as similar to period pain at first, some experience back ache as well. As labour progresses the sensation intensifies with each contraction which will now last longer and become more frequent, until the urge to push occurs which usually means that the second stage of labour has started. A whole range of factors will affect how it feels, from the position of your baby, to the way you’re feeling physically and emotionally.

How much do contractions hurt?

Generally contractions get stronger as your labour progresses and can become pretty tiring and overwhelming towards the end. It’s important to remember, you do get breaks between the contractions and your body helps you cope by continually releasing endorphins – your natural painkillers. You can also manage the pain in several different ways to help you cope well with labour.

Contractions last around 60-90 seconds, so try and take them one at a time, knowing that it will be over soon.

How will I know when I’m going into labour?

While it’s helpful to know the signs of early labour, it’s still quite hard to pinpoint when it actually starts. Sometimes it’s a slow build up of contractions, while other times, your waters breaking or a ‘show’ (when the plug of mucus from your cervix comes away) could be signs you’re getting close. If your waters break, ring your midwife or the hospital for advice. The fluid should be clear, so tell the midwife if it’s not. Either way, you’ll probably be asked to go in and get checked over.

Other signs that labour is on the way include a dull aching pain in your lower back, or some diarrhoea as your body clears out your digestive system ready for birth. If you’re feeling unsure about whether labour has started, or you want advice on the best time to go in, call your hospital or maternity unit.

How frequent should my contractions be before I call my midwife?

If you're having regular, painful contractions that feel stronger and last more than 30 seconds, your labour may have started. Before long, they’ll become even longer, stronger and more frequent. You'll probably be asked to come in to hospital when your contractions become very regular and last for at least 60 seconds.

If you’re planning a home birth call your midwife when you think your labour has started. .