Contractions during pregnancy: what do they mean?

When we talk about contractions, a woman automatically thinks about the contractions that bring about labour. But throughout the pregnancy we can have different types of contractions. They are totally normal and every pregnant woman may feel them throughout the nine months of their pregnancy. The uterus is made up of smooth muscle that will need to contract when the time comes to deliver the baby. It has to prepare for this during the previous months.

What types of contractions are there?

Depending on the point during pregnancy, we can find several types of contractions:

• Focal: these are localised low-intensity contractions that are usually caused by the baby’s movements.
• Generalised: These start off like the previous ones, in a localised area, but they spread to the rest of the uterus.
• Braxton Hicks: These are known as practice contractions. They are slightly stronger than the previous ones, although they’re not painful. They don’t last more than 60 seconds and their frequency increases as pregnancy goes on. It’s common for them to start after the 20-week mark, although some women may even feel them before that.
• Early labour: These contractions start to feel somewhat stronger and more uncomfortable than Braxton Hicks. They start a few days before labour begins, as their job is to soften the cervix. They are a sign that labour is close.
• Labour: These are easy to identify because they are regular, rhythmic contractions. At first, they may be intense although not too painful. But as time goes on the pain gradually increases as the great moment approaches.

How do you tell the difference between practice contractions and labour contractions?

This is a question that many expectant mums ask. As we said, labour contractions tend to be rhythmic and much stronger and more painful. And you may also notice other signs that let you know your baby’s on the way:

• Bloody show. It’s not always the case, but if you lose you mucus plug in the previous days or even on the same day as you start to feel stronger contractions, it may be a sign.
• Breaking waters. In this case there’s no doubt, if your waters break and the contractions are getting stronger, we recommend you to go to hospital as soon as possible.
• Increasing frequency. If you started having contractions every ten minutes but the time between them is decreasing and they’re also becoming stronger, it’s time to go to hospital. It won’t be long until you meet your baby.

Knowing a little about the different contractions will put your mind at rest and help you identify them throughout your pregnancy.

Did you have many contractions during your pregnancy? Were they bearable? Tell us about your experience!