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5 Different Types Of Contractions During Pregnancy And How They Feel

5 Different Types Of Contractions During Pregnancy And How They Feel

4 Apr 2023 | 6 min Read

Sudeshna Chakravarti

Author | 799 Articles

Contractions during pregnancy refer to the feeling of tightness or hardness in your uterine muscles. This pain or cramping sensation usually originates in your lower back and gradually moves to the front.

Some expecting mums may also feel as if they are having heavy menstrual cramping, or feel pressure and pain in their back. However, not all pregnant women experience the same symptoms.

Read on, as we tell you more about the different types of contractions during pregnancy, how to manage them and keep yourself comfortable during active labour, and when to visit your doctor.

Different Types Of Contractions During Pregnancy

It’s important to keep a check on your symptoms to identify the type of contraction you are having / Image credit: Freepik

Braxton Hicks Contractions

They are also known as prodromal or false contractions, and usually begin during the sixth week of pregnancy, and become more pronounced in the second and third trimesters. These contractions are considered a normal part of pregnancy and help prepare your body for labour. They do not cause your cervix to dilate.

What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?

These contractions are typically

Infrequent and irregular and do not change in intensity
Concentrated around your abdomen rather than the back
Painless but quite uncomfortable
Subside when you walk, lie down, or empty your bladder

Causes Of These Contractions During Pregnancy

The following factors may trigger Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy.

Dehydration
Intense physical activity
A full bladder

How To Cope With Braxton Hicks Contractions?

The following steps ease your contractions and help you relax and calm down.

Practicing deep breathing exercises
Drinking water to hydrate yourself
Practicing relaxing techniques, such as taking a warm bath, getting a massage, or taking a nap.
Changing your position

Preterm Labour Contractions

These true labour/ birth contractions occur before your pregnancy reaches full term, before 37 weeks. In some cases, these regular contractions could also lead to preterm birth.

What Do Preterm Labour Contractions Feel Like?

The following signs indicate that you are having preterm labour contractions.

A feeling of hardness in the abdomen

Experiencing more than five painful contractions in an hour
Regular and frequent uterine contractions
Vaginal bleeding and discharge
Abdominal pressure and pain
Menstrual-like cramps
Pressure in your pelvic area

If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see your healthcare provider immediately for further assessment.

Causes Of Preterm Labour Contractions

The factors that increase the risk if these contractions include

Multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets)
History of preterm labour
Short space between your pregnancies
High-stress levels
Short cervix
Abnormal conditions of the cervix, placenta, or the uterus
Certain infections
Lifestyle triggers, such as smoking, substance abuse, or obesity

How To Cope With These Contractions During Pregnancy?

To lower the risk of preterm labour, you should follow these early treatment methods until you see your doctor. These precautionary measures may also reduce your risk of having a preterm baby.

Keep hydrating and emptying your bladder, as dehydration may also cause these contractions.
Avoid lying down on your back. Lie down on one side, and use a pillow to support your back.
Track your contractions per hour. Start with counting the minutes of one contraction to the next. If you have more than 4-5 contractions in an hour, it signals preterm labour.

Early Labour Contractions

During early labour contractions, you may feel pressure in your back, and experience nausea / Image credit: Freepik

These contractions are uncomfortable and feel like mild to moderate menstrual cramps. In this case, your cervix dilates to about four centimetres.

What Do Early Labour Contractions Feel Like?

We have discussed some of the common symptoms that you may experience during an early labour contraction. But keep in mind, since every pregnancy is different, you may not experience the same symptoms as others.

Irregular contractions that are 5 to 20 minutes apart
Contractions lasting about 30-45 seconds
Severe cramps
Dull pain in your back
Pressure or feeling of fullness in your pelvic region
Pain radiating from the back to the front
Difficulty in breathing

In some cases, first-time mums may have several hours of early labour contractions without any signs of cervical dilation. Regardless, if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, go to the hospital or contact your healthcare provider.

Active Labour Contractions

These contractions are painful and indicate that your delivery is approaching. Your cervix dilates from four to 10 centimetres in this stage.

What Do Active Labour Contractions Feel Like?

The following symptoms may indicate that you are having active labour contractions.

Your contractions will be 2-3 minutes apart
Your contractions will last between 50-75 seconds
You will experience a strong urge to push
You will feel pressure and pain in your back as your baby ascends down to the birth canal

In addition to these symptoms, you may experience lightheadedness, nausea, gas, and vomiting. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated, and practice breathing exercises to calm your mind.

Transition Contractions

These contractions are considered the most painful part of labour. They last for 60-80 seconds and occur every 2-3 minutes apart. During this stage, your cervix will dilate to 7-10 centimetres.

These contractions are also associated with intense pressure in your rectal and vaginal regions. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, and chills.

Steps To Keep Yourself Comfortable During Active Labour And Transition Contractions

The following tips will help you deal with the pain and pressure of the contractions.

Change your position or walk a bit
Keep drinking water as it gives you the strength to get through the labour
Eat well
Get a relaxing lower back or foot massage
Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga. This can help you regain energy and focus.

Conclusion

Differentiating between the different types of contractions during pregnancy is a difficult task. Hence, it’s a good idea to remain attentive to each signal your body gives you. If you experience any serious or abnormal symptoms, make sure to consult your doctor immediately, as they will be able to guide you on the further steps, and determine whether you need immediate medical attention or not.