Pregnant Contraction

Pregnant Contraction
MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy .
1. Deborah A. Raines and Danielle B. Cooper; Braxton Hicks Contractions ; StatPearls Publishing (2020). 2. Common Discomforts During Pregnancy ; UNM Hospitals 3. Preterm labor ; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health 4. Preterm Labor and Birth ; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 5. Preterm (Early) Labor ; UNM Hospitals (2016) 6. Pregnancy & Labor ; Indiana.edu 7. Contractions ; Healthdirect, Australian Government, Department of Health 8. Contractions During Pregnancy: What to Expect ; Healthwise Staff; British Columbia 9. Stages of Labour ; Mid Cheshire Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust 10. Labor F.A.Q ; Family Birth Place; University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System 11. When does labor usually start ; NIH
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). She has been into health and... more
Dr. Erica Montes is a Fellow of the American College of OB/GYN. She specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures having done her training in the daVinci Robotic Surgical System. The Texas-based doctor has keen interest in high-risk obstetrics, gynecologic surgery, and abnormal uterine bleeding. She won the "Arizona Big Shot" award from the Arizona Partnership for Immunization in 2014, in... more
All contractions are not the same, and you need to identify the ones that indicate true labor.
Dr. Erica Montes is a Fellow of the American College of OB/GYN. She specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures having done her training in the daVinci Robotic Surgical System. The Texas-based doctor has keen interest in high-risk... more
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotec... more
MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us .
Contractions during pregnancy refer to the sensation of tightness and hardness in the uterine muscles. During a contraction, the pain or cramping usually starts in the lower back and moves to the front. Some pregnant women may feel as if they are having heavy menstrual cramping or back pain and pressure; however, not all pregnant women experience the same sensation.
Read on to learn about the different types of contractions, how to manage them and keep yourself comfortable during active labor, and when to visit a healthcare provider. This article also addresses some frequently asked questions about pregnancy contractions.
You might have heard of the different names for contractions.
They are regarded as “prodromal” or false contractions that usually begin around the sixth week and get more pronounced in the second or third trimester. They are a normal part of pregnancy, and prepare the body for labor. They do not cause cervical dilation (1) .
The following may trigger Braxton Hicks contractions ( 1 ):
The following measures can help you to calm down or ease these contractions.
If these techniques do not help, consult your healthcare provider for medical assistance.
These regular and true labor/birth contractions occur before the pregnancy reaches full-term (before 37 weeks). In some cases, it may lead to preterm birth (3) .
You might be having preterm labor contractions if you have the following signs.
If you experience any of these, you should see a healthcare provider for further assessment.
Factors that increase the risk of preterm labor contractions include (4)
To lower your risk of preterm labor, you may follow these early treatment measures until you see a doctor. These measures might also help reduce your risk of having a preterm baby (5) .
These are slightly uncomfortable contractions that feel like mild to moderate menstrual cramps. The cervix dilates to about four centimeters in this case (6) .
Some of the common symptoms that one might experience are as follows (7) . All pregnant women may not have the same symptoms.
First-time mothers might have several hours of early labor contractions without any cervical dilation. You should go to the hospital or call your delivering provider.
These are painful contractions that become more pronounced and indicate that delivery is approaching. The cervix dilates to about four to ten centimeters in this stage (6).
The following symptoms may indicate active labor contractions (7) :
You may also experience nausea, lightheadedness, chills, hot flashes, gas, and vomiting, along with active birth contractions.
Contractions are caused when the pituitary gland releases the oxytocin hormone, which stimulates the uterine muscles to tighten and relax. These actions continue to help dilate your cervix and pushes the baby’s head onto the cervix to help it efface or thin more. (8) .
These are considered the most painful part of labor. They last for 60 to 80 seconds, with two to three minutes apart. The cervix dilates to about seven to ten centimeters (6) (9) . They are associated with intense pressure in the rectal and vaginal regions. You may also experience vomiting, nausea, and shaking.
The following measures might help you deal with the pressure and pain of contractions (10) .
Your doctor may discuss the pain management techniques, including oral medications and/or epidural anesthesia.
Once you are at the hospital after the true contractions have started, here is what you may expect:
You will usually start in the triage area and have two monitors placed on your abdomen to monitor the baby’s heart rate tracing and your contraction pattern. -You will be asked questions about your symptoms regarding pain, frequency and intensity of your contractions. The nurse will check your cervix and if you are found to be in active labor will you move to a labor room. -She will then call your doctor to know you are there and get any orders that may be necessary.
It depends on the type of contractions you are experiencing. True labor contractions are usually more painful than Braxton Hicks. But the intensity of pain varies from one woman to another.
2. Do Braxton Hicks contractions turn into real contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions do not turn into real labor contractions. They are false contractions that do not cause cervical dilation or lead to birth (1) .
3. When do real contractions start during pregnancy?
Real contractions are likely to start after the 37th week. If they occur before the 37th week, they are considered preterm contractions (11) .
Distinguishing between the types of contractions during pregnancy is a challenging task. Nevertheless, it would be best to remain attentive to each signal your body gives you. There could be certain scenarios when you need to see a doctor soon, such as when you notice an increased frequency of contraction, vaginal discharge, severe pains, or feel any membrane ruptures. These may indicate that you are entering labor. Note the minutes of contractions, and hydrate yourself. Once you reach the hospital, the delivery team will be by your side to assist you towards a safe delivery.
Copyright 2011 - 2022 MomJunction Private Limited.
All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. See a medical professional for personalized consultation. Read for more information .

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy .
1. Deborah A. Raines and Danielle B. Cooper; Braxton Hicks Contractions ; StatPearls Publishing (2020). 2. Common Discomforts During Pregnancy ; UNM Hospitals 3. Preterm labor ; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health 4. Preterm Labor and Birth ; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 5. Preterm (Early) Labor ; UNM Hospitals (2016) 6. Pregnancy & Labor ; Indiana.edu 7. Contractions ; Healthdirect, Australian Government, Department of Health 8. Contractions During Pregnancy: What to Expect ; Healthwise Staff; British Columbia 9. Stages of Labour ; Mid Cheshire Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust 10. Labor F.A.Q ; Family Birth Place; University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System 11. When does labor usually start ; NIH
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). She has been into health and... more
Dr. Erica Montes is a Fellow of the American College of OB/GYN. She specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures having done her training in the daVinci Robotic Surgical System. The Texas-based doctor has keen interest in high-risk obstetrics, gynecologic surgery, and abnormal uterine bleeding. She won the "Arizona Big Shot" award from the Arizona Partnership for Immunization in 2014, in... more
All contractions are not the same, and you need to identify the ones that indicate true labor.
Dr. Erica Montes is a Fellow of the American College of OB/GYN. She specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures having done her training in the daVinci Robotic Surgical System. The Texas-based doctor has keen interest in high-risk... more
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotec... more
MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us .
Contractions during pregnancy refer to the sensation of tightness and hardness in the uterine muscles. During a contraction, the pain or cramping usually starts in the lower back and moves to the front. Some pregnant women may feel as if they are having heavy menstrual cramping or back pain and pressure; however, not all pregnant women experience the same sensation.
Read on to learn about the different types of contractions, how to manage them and keep yourself comfortable during active labor, and when to visit a healthcare provider. This article also addresses some frequently asked questions about pregnancy contractions.
You might have heard of the different names for contractions.
They are regarded as “prodromal” or false contractions that usually begin around the sixth week and get more pronounced in the second or third trimester. They are a normal part of pregnancy, and prepare the body for labor. They do not cause cervical dilation (1) .
The following may trigger Braxton Hicks contractions ( 1 ):
The following measures can help you to calm down or ease these contractions.
If these techniques do not help, consult your healthcare provider for medical assistance.
These regular and true labor/birth contractions occur before the pregnancy reaches full-term (before 37 weeks). In some cases, it may lead to preterm birth (3) .
You might be having preterm labor contractions if you have the following signs.
If you experience any of these, you should see a healthcare provider for further assessment.
Factors that increase the risk of preterm labor contractions include (4)
To lower your risk of preterm labor, you may follow these early treatment measures until you see a doctor. These measures might also help reduce your risk of having a preterm baby (5) .
These are slightly uncomfortable contractions that feel like mild to moderate menstrual cramps. The cervix dilates to about four centimeters in this case (6) .
Some of the common symptoms that one might experience are as follows (7) . All pregnant women may not have the same symptoms.
First-time mothers might have several hours of early labor contractions without any cervical dilation. You should go to the hospital or call your delivering provider.
These are painful contractions that become more pronounced and indicate that delivery is approaching. The cervix dilates to about four to ten centimeters in this stage (6).
The following symptoms may indicate active labor contractions (7) :
You may also experience nausea, lightheadedness, chills, hot flashes, gas, and vomiting, along with active birth contractions.
Contractions are caused when the pituitary gland releases the oxytocin hormone, which stimulates the uterine muscles to tighten and relax. These actions continue to help dilate your cervix and pushes the baby’s head onto the cervix to help it efface or thin more. (8) .
These are considered the most painful part of labor. They last for 60 to 80 seconds, with two to three minutes apart. The cervix dilates to about seven to ten centimeters (6) (9) . They are associated with intense pressure in the rectal and vaginal regions. You may also experience vomiting, nausea, and shaking.
The following measures might help you deal with the pressure and pain of contractions (10) .
Your doctor may discuss the pain management techniques, including oral medications and/or epidural anesthesia.
Once you are at the hospital after the true contractions have started, here is what you may expect:
You will usually start in the triage area and have two monitors placed on your abdomen to monitor the baby’s heart rate tracing and your contraction pattern. -You will be asked questions about your symptoms regarding pain, frequency and intensity of your contractions. The nurse will check your cervix and if you are found to be in active labor will you move to a labor room. -She will then call your doctor to know you are there and get any orders that may be necessary.
It depends on the type of contractions you are experiencing. True labor contractions are usually more painful than Braxton Hicks. But the intensity of pain varies from one woman to another.
2. Do Braxton Hicks contractions turn into real contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions do not turn into real labor contractions. They are false contractions that do not cause cervical dilation or lead to birth (1) .
3. When do real contractions start during pregnancy?
Real contractions are likely to start after the 37th week. If they occur before the 37th week, they are considered preterm contractions (11) .
Distinguishing between the types of contractions during pregnancy is a challenging task. Nevertheless, it would be best to remain attentive to each signal your body gives you. There could be certain scenarios when you need to see a doctor soon, such as when you notice an increased frequency of contraction, vaginal discharge, severe pains, or feel any membrane ruptures. These may indicate that you are entering labor. Note the minutes of contractions, and hydrate yourself. Once you reach the hospital, the delivery team will be by your side to assist you towards a safe delivery.
Copyright 2011 - 2022 MomJunction Private Limited.
All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. See a medical professional for personalized consultation. Read for more information .

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As you get closer to your due date, you may begin to wonder about all the different types of contractions in pregnancy. Perhaps you're experiencing contractions now and you're not sure what to do. We've spoken to registered midwife Sheena Byrom about what to expect.
Sheena Byrom (opens in new tab) of All4Maternity, who has been a Registered Midwife for over 40 years, compares contractions in pregnancy. Recognising and distinguishing between types of contractions in pregnancy can be confusing. You might start feeling some contractions in pregnancy as early as the second or third trimester, but these usually won’t be the start of labour. (opens in new tab)
Sheena told us, "Distinguishing between types of contractions is about frequency, duration and intensity. Early contractions feel like period pains. They can usually relieved easily to start with. However, active labour contractions are very intense. They help dilate and thin (efface) the cervix. They are powerful surges that push your baby down.”
Braxton Hicks (opens in new tab) contractions are often known as 'false labour pains'. Although they happen when the body is getting ready for labour, they don't indicate that labour has actually started. Midwife Sheena Byrom says Braxton Hicks contractions in pregnancy "can be very confusing". However, she explains, "Braxton Hicks contractions don't increase in intensity. They're rarely painful, they're temporary and rarely have a pattern."
Braxton Hicks contractions in pregnancy are tightenings that many women will find uncomfortable. Medical studies show (opens in n
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