C
ontractions is one of the signs that may indicate that you will give birth soon. This condition occurs when there is a temporary tightening activities on the uterus. However, not every contractions you felt is the sign of labor is really going to happen. Maybe that is simply a false contractions.
False contractions or Braxton-Hicks is a sign your body is prepared or trained to deal with childbirth. However, this contraction is not a true sign that labor has to come anytime soon.
Well, to not get deceived by this matter even more, let's know the difference between the real and false contractions. Here's the explanation:
When did it happen?
False contractions usually starts at the third trimester of pregnancy. However, it can also occur at the beginning of the second trimester. Meanwhile, the real contraction occurs after the age of the womb is over than 37 weeks. If it arrives early, it means you're going to give birth prematurely.
How does it feel?
When false contraction happens, you usually felt a tightening at the front of the abdomen or pelvis. This contraction usually not in conjunction with excessive pain. The fact is, tightening caused by the false contraction does not last long. Some women said, false contractions similar to mild abdominal cramps during menstruation, it was just a little uncomfortable. In false contractions, cervical wall thinning and cervix does not open as wide as the contractions in childbirth.
The real contraction occurs when your body released the oxytocin hormone to stimulate the uterus to contract. The real contraction have phase. Initially the pain won't making you suffer, but eventually the pain increases causing you feel the pain even more.
This contraction will lead to your top womb to tighten even more in order to help push the baby into the birth canal. Contractions can be started from the abdomen, and then moved to the back. Sometimes starts from the lower back and then moved to the stomach.
How long the contraction happens?
False contractions usually occurs about less than 30 to 120 seconds. Contraction might stop when you walk or rest, or may stop when you change positions.
Meanwhile, the real contraction lasts about 30 to 70 seconds. This contraction may continue to occur even if you move or try to break.
How often are there?
False contractions do not have a regular time interval. These contractions may occur from time to time. While the real contractions have regular intervals, and the emergence of contraction distance closer or more frequent.
Experiencing false contractions during pregnancy is normal and not something to worry about. You also do not need to perform specialized medical care if you experience this condition. However, if the contraction make you uncomfortable even more, you can conduct a rest, warm baths, massage, or take a walk.
Although contraction is not a true sign of labor will come anytime soon, sometimes, it is difficult to know the different between the real and false contraction, and which contraction giving sign to give birth prematurely. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately when you experience false contractions before 37 weeks of gestation period.
If you're having contractions within 5 minutes interval, it may be the time for you to rushed to the maternity hospital.
Stay healthy!
