![]() Before (and i n some cases, after) your water breaks, your doula, birthing coach, midwife, nurse, or doctor will let you know when it’s time to go to the hospital (more on that in a bit). Early labor can last anywhere between a few hours and a few days, but if your water breaks (or if you have any significant vaginal bleeding), it’s time to grab that pre-packed bag and get to the hospital or birthing center. That’s probably your mucus plug, one of the other steps in the birthing process. At one stage, you may notice a clear, pink, or slightly bloody discharge leak out of your vagina. ![]() Fortunately, they tend not to be as extreme as regular contractions.Įarly labor contractions, on the other hand, prompt your cervix to open up and prepare for delivery. Essentially, they’re just your uterus getting warmed up, and usually start in the second trimester. These do make frequent TV appearances (especially in sitcoms), given that it provides the opportunity for a character to make a Toni Braxton reference. And while they’re ultimately what’s going to help you push that baby out, when you feel your first contractions, it doesn’t necessarily mean the baby is about to make its debut right away.īut before we get into the specifics of “real” contractions, let’s talk about Braxton Hicks contractions. Contractions happen when your uterine muscle tightens and flexes. Think of it as your body’s opening act before the main event. But early labor can be a little harder to identify. When you’re in active labor, trust us, you’ll know it. There are two stages of labor: early labor, and active labor. Interested in more pregnancy content? Check out our pages on healthy meals during your pregnancy, inducing labor, and more. So, if you find yourself getting ready to birth a baby of your own IRL, you may have a few questions to help separate reality and TV magic, including how to time contractions, how to know if they’re “real,” and when to get to a hospital, stat. Early labor contractions usually play a bit part in it too, with the bumbling, incompetent husband or partner character attempting to time them, and mom-to-be engaging in some sort of breathing exercise. Typically, the Hollywood version of childbirth begins dramatically, with the character’s water breaking, and ends with a perfectly spotless baby emerging from underneath her hospital gown. Then start counting from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.Anyone who has given birth (or at least witnessed one), can probably confirm that it looks a lot different in real life than it does on TV. You can even measure them easily with a calculator, instead of a clock or watch, to check how far you are into your labor. Unlike false contractions, true contractions get stronger, longer, and closer with time.Įxcept for some contractions that occur before the water breaking, you can be sure you are having labor contractions. However, the important distinguishing factor is progression. ![]() Some women actually feel they are going into labor due to these contractions (1). These false contractions are irregular and vary in intensity. ![]() It could be difficult to differentiate between true labor contractions and false contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, which occur in the weeks nearing childbirth. These series of contractions help the baby pass through the birth canal. The contractions tighten and thicken the upper part of the uterus (fundus) while stretching and relaxing the lower portion and cervix. They are periodic, each contraction is followed by a period of relaxation. They begin as cramps in the back and move along the abdomen in a wave-like manner. Labor contractions are periodic tightening and relaxing of uterine muscles, which are stimulated by the oxytocin hormone released by the pituitary gland.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |