What is uterine contraction pain during pregnancy? Uterine contractions refer to the contraction of uterine muscles, which is a normal physiological phenomenon. However, during pregnancy, uterine contractions can cause pain, which is called pregnancy uterine pain. Painful contractions during pregnancy usually occur in the early and late stages of pregnancy and may increase as the pregnancy progresses. Although most women will experience mild contractions during pregnancy, if these pains become very intense or frequent,