How to Identify Contractions

Just as any muscle contracts when you flex it, the muscles of the uterus will contract rhythmically and involuntarily during labor and childbirth. Identifying contractions will be an important task as you try to discern whether you are in labor. By paying attention to the uterine sensations you feel and their regularity, you can gain valuable information about an active labor pattern.

Instructions

    • 1

      Assess uterine sensations to determine whether you could be in early labor. Early labor contractions often begin feeling similar to menstrual cramps or gas pains, according to Sutter Health. You might also feel a nagging lower backache in early labor, in conjunction with early contractions.

    • 2

      Place your hands lightly on your uterus to determine how it feels to the touch. During a contraction, you will feel the uterine muscles tighten all over and become hard to the touch, states the American Pregnancy Association. Between contractions, the hardness will fade, and the uterus will feel softer.

    • 3

      Monitor the sensations to determine whether you are feeling labor contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions, which is sometimes referred to as false labor. For one hour, write down the time each sensation begins and how long each one lasts, recommends the March of Dimes. If you notice a regular pattern of contractions that doesn̵7;t vary, such as a contraction every 10 to 12 minutes, you may be experiencing labor contractions. If the contractions increase in length with gradually shorter intervals between them, you may be experiencing labor contractions.

    • 4

      Vary your activity to see how the sensations respond. With labor contractions, walking often makes them more intense, states Sutter Health. If you lie down, labor contractions will not dissipate. If you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, lying down usually makes them fade.

    • 5

      Determine whether contractions are intensifying. Labor contractions usually start in your back and wrap around to the front of the uterus in a tightening wave. Contractions will likely be mildly uncomfortable at first, but labor contractions eventually become strong and all-encompassing for a mother-to-be. At some point, you will find it impossible to walk or even talk during contractions due to the extreme pain.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Foods That Naturally Induce Labor
      Forty weeks can seem like an eternity for a pregnant woman. Fortunately, there are some foods that can be eaten that may induce labor---if your cervix has already begun to dilate. Spicy Foods Spicy foods, such as curry, Indian or Me
    • Episiotomy, Vacuum and Forceps During Labour and Birth
          Even if youre planning for a natural birth, its good to be prepared for the fact that minor medical interventions may be needed.   Heres a look at some of the most common ones. Remember that its not always possible to follow yo
    • The promotion of well being begins at birth?
      Thats a great question and a very important one! While the promotion of well-being can absolutely start at birth, its actually even more accurate to say that it begins before birth. Heres why:* Prenatal Development: A babys well-being is significant