Today I want to talk about the arch nemesis of your baby staying inside your womb forever — and that’s contractions. While your uterus was built to grow a baby, it was also built to expel it. It does that through contracting to push baby through the birth canal — but what should you expect? We’re going to dive into that today in this post! When you’re done you should know a lot more about contractions, and also where to get more info if you need it, so let’s get going!
Before we get into the meat of contractions, it’s always smart to ask why in the heck a site called Pulling Curls® knows so much about pregnancy? Hi, I’m Hilary — the curly head here at Pulling Curls — but you may know me better as The Pregnancy Nurse® (my other site). I’ve been a nurse since 1997, and I have 20 years of labor and delivery experience. I’ve literally seen thousands of people having contractions (or wondering if they are) — so I’m a great resource for this one!
Before we get going if you’re having contractions, now’s a good time to pack the ol’ hospital bag — grab my packing list here:
What Are Contractions?
Just like a muscle contraction (like you do when you lift something heavy) it’s just your uterus squeezing together. They can both just feel “tight” (some people feel nothing with smaller ones) to very painful.
What do contractions feel like?
Most people feel them as cramps in the beginning, and then they progress from here. I have a whole post about them right here:
Looking for more contraction information — be sure to check out these posts from my sister site:
- Does Sleeping Stop Contractions?
- What to Do When You’re Having Contractions
- Can You Sleep Through Contractions – Especially Early Labor?
- Where do You Feel Contractions?
- Contractions on The Monitor But You’re Not Feeling Them: What does that mean?
Braxton Hicks?
These have lots of names:
- Practice Contractions
- False Labor
- Contractions that go nowhere
In reality they’re just your uterus squeezing without it really causing baby to progress towards birth.
That doesn’t mean they’re not painful, and it doesn’t mean that they can’t turn into something.
I have a whole post on how you can tell them apart.
Sometimes those contractions are just softening your cervix (which is sort of hard to “measure”). I talk more about that here.
I also have a whole post on false labor that talks more about what those contractions might be doing.
I will say that going to the hospital (and staying) when you’re still in early labor can be a bad plan. I’m a huge fan of staying home as long as you can (and are safe to do so) — so learning about the signs of labor and when to go in (and talking to your provider about them) is SUPER smart!
So is talking to them about your birth plan:
How can I tell if it’s TRUE Labor?
It is so tricky. I have a couple of tips for you:
- Is it more that just contractions? There are usually a few signs of labor (we’ll talk more about those in a second)
- Are they organizing? Are they getting closer together, longer, more painful? That could mean something — so keep an eye on it.
Love handy tips like that, I give so many more in here that really help you feel confident, instead of confused!
I have a whole post that outlines it more (also has a handy chart):
One of my biggest pro tips (as long as you’re past 37 weeks) is to sort of ignore those early contractions as long as you can. Until you’re feeling more than 6 in an hour, I really just try to keep to my business.
I also have a handy quiz to know if what you’re feeling is labor. I also have a sort of silly quiz that can “predict” when you’re go into labor.
What if I’m Still Early?
If you’re before 37 weeks, it’s considered preterm labor. We REALLY try to avoid this, as it can be an issue for baby. I have a whole post on preterm labor that will give you more info on that, but know that you should either go to the hospital or call your provider for some guidance.
A few contractions now and then aren’t a big deal, but if you’re having more than a few in the hour you should at least call your provider.
Pro Tip: Most providers have someone on 24/7 for them — so it can be handy to try to call them for some guidance if you have questions (but you can always also go into labor and delivery to make sure you and baby are safe).
Other Signs of Labor?
In an effort to be extra confusing there are a few other signs you should watch out for about labor. I go over some of the weirder ones in this post:
One of the bigger ones is your water breaking. I have a whole post with everything you need to know about your amniotic sac breaking right here.
Honestly, labor isn’t the only thing that’s weird about pregnancy, labor, birth and raising a baby — I recommend everyone take a class so they’re not caught off-guard. I recommend this one.
What does my Cervical Exam Have to do With Contractions?
They don’t exactly correlate (even though you think they should).
I explain cervical exams and what all the numbers mean in this post (it also has a very handy video):
How Does The Hospital Monitor Contractions?
That’s a great question. The hospital normally uses something called a Tocodynamometer (called Toco for short). But, just because the graph shows giant contractions, or small ones — it doesn’t always mean anything. I go over more as to why in this post (in the image below it’s the round one at the top):
All the monitors and stuff at the hospital can feel intimidating and scary. I don’t want that for you. I recommend this so you feel a bit more confident.
When do I go to the hospital?
This is definitely something to talk with your provider about. While there are some “soft rules” that mostly apply to everyone, you need to know for you and your unique circumstances — I talk more about why in this post:
Of course, labor isn’t the only reason you should be going to the hospital.
How can I START Contractions?
We’ve talked a lot about what they are, and how to know if you’re having them — but many of you might be wondering how to START them tonight?
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I actually have a few posts on my sister site that might give you a bit more info:
- Pumping To Induce Labor? Will it work?
- When to start Eating Dates During Pregnancy?
- Does Evening Primrose Oil Induce Labor?
What Should I Be Doing to Prepare for Contractions?
I have a whole post on the things you should be doing before going to the hospital. BUT the good news is that you have time to get ready for birth.
Most people in the hospital aren’t so lucky.
The three things I recommend you to do right now (if I boil it way down):
- Learn to ask your provider questions at your appointment, so you’re able to do it when things get more complicated (with bigger consequences)
- Make sure that you and your partner are on the same page for birth and raising baby. Many people find they each have their own plans and have no idea what the other person is thinking…
- Take a birth class so you know what to expect. Make sure you take one that not only gives some natural pain management techniques, but also goes over some of the unplanned events of labor (which aren’t unusual).
This class will help you:
- Be a better communicator (you’ll learn to speak their “language” a bit more.
- Get on the same page with your partner — turn them into a “teammate” rather than just a cheerleader!
- Get you prepared for ALL of labor, not just pain but inductions, cesareans and even just what to expect at the hospital.
That’s why I recommend it. It’s your best way to get prepared for birth!
Fun fact, did you know that people who take a high-quality birth class have:
- Less inductions
- Less Cesareans
- More happiness with their birth (it’s a better experience).
They’re pretty great!
So, that’s my encyclopedia of contractions. Is it everything? Maybe not — but it’s pretty darn close. What did I miss? Tell me in the comments!
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