What does false contractions feel like? As the due date approaches, some expectant mothers will become more and more nervous and always feel symptoms of contractions. Here, the editor reminds you that what you feel may be false contractions. Let’s take a look at how to relieve false contractions with the editor.
What are false contractions
False contractions, also called delayed uterine contractions, are episodic uterine contractions. It is characterized by irregular occurrence time and varying degrees of intensity. False uterine contractions begin around 6 weeks into pregnancy and will not start to be felt until after the second trimester. Before labor, false contractions will become more frequent due to the traction stimulation of the lower uterine segment caused by the descending fetal head.
A few weeks before delivery, the uterine muscles are relatively sensitive, and irregular uterine contractions may occur that are short in duration, weak, or limited to the lower part of the uterus. It stops again after a few hours, the cervix cannot open, and labor has not started. This is called false contractions.
False contractions in late pregnancy are different from the painless and sporadic false contractions in early pregnancy. False contractions in early pregnancy do not cause any changes in the cervix. The contractions of the uterus at this time may help the cervix \”ripen\”: the cervix gradually becomes softer and thinner. It may even begin to slightly dilate the cervical canal. This period sometimes heralds the onset of premature labor.
So, what is the difference between real contractions and fake contractions?
The difference between false contractions and real contractions
False uterine contractions: In the weeks before labor, the uterine muscles are relatively sensitive, and irregular uterine contractions will occur, which are short in duration, weak, or limited to the lower part of the uterus. It stops again after a few hours, the cervix cannot open, and labor has not started. This is called false contractions. These contractions are irregular, non-cyclical and painless.
True uterine contractions: Uterine contractions during labor are regular. The initial interval is approximately every 10 minutes. Pregnant women feel abdominal pain, and then the duration of pain gradually extends to 40 to 60 seconds. The degree will also increase and the interval will shorten, about 3 to 5 minutes. When your uterus contracts and you experience abdominal pain, your lower abdomen may feel hard.
If false contractions are too frequent, they should be relieved in time.
How to get rid of false contractions
Pay attention to getting more rest during the third trimester of pregnancy. Go to bed before 10 pm and rest for at least half an hour at noon to ensure a good sleep.
In the third trimester of pregnancy, do not do anything that increases abdominal pressure, and avoid loud sneezing, coughing, constipation, lifting heavy objects, climbing up and down, etc. Eat a balanced diet and eat more high-fiber vegetables and fruits to reduce constipation.
In the third trimester of pregnancy, you should avoid long-distance travel, avoid overexertion, pay attention to dietary hygiene, and avoid diarrhea, enteritis, etc. Otherwise, intestinal peristalsis will increase, induce uterine contractions, and cause premature birth.
During the third trimester, sex life should also be reduced. Because orgasm itself stimulates uterine contractions. In addition, there are prostaglandins in semen, which are also good uterotonic agents.
late pregnancyExercise must be done according to your ability. Walking is an appropriate form of exercise, except for pregnant women with cervical insufficiency.
The mental health of pregnant mothers is equally important. High mental stress and trauma can also induce uterine contractions. Pregnant mothers should try their best to maintain a happy mood, especially expectant fathers, who should spend more time with pregnant mothers to reduce their fear and anxiety about childbirth.
If a pregnant mother suffers from vaginitis, she should go to the hospital in time. Substances released by inflammation can also induce uterine contractions or cause premature rupture of membranes.
Expectant mothers should calm down and eliminate false contractions.