Some of us had never even heard of training contractions before pregnancy, well, unless our friends, who had already become mothers, enlightened us. But even for those who knew about the “dress rehearsal” before childbirth, the appearance of training contractions often comes as a surprise, frightens and forces them to urgently drop everything and go to the maternity hospital, even if the preliminary date of birth is still only a few weeks away.

What is this, training contractions? Why do they appear, does everyone have them and how to distinguish a false alarm from a combat one?

Theory

Theoretical knowledge is a good and necessary thing in order to at least have a general idea of ​​what is happening. Therefore, let's start with theory.

First, let's understand the terminology. Training, false or Braxton-Hicks contractions (named after the gynecologist who first described them back in the 19th century) - it’s all about them, those very “rehearsal” moments. Contractions that appear at the end of pregnancy are called precursor contractions.

All these different names mean the same thing and they represent the preparation of the uterus (which, as everyone knows, is a muscular organ) for the difficult work ahead. Muscles can and should be trained. So the uterus trains to do everything that is required of it at the right moment. Such a “rehearsal” should not frighten the expectant mother. Therefore, let’s figure out point by point how and what happens during training contractions, so that later, when everything starts, we don’t panic.

Fact #1

Training contractions feel similar to periodic pain during menstruation. Moreover, many (but not all) expectant mothers discover that if their menstruation is usually painful, then false contractions are also strong.

What else, besides unpleasant sensations similar to menstrual pain, can a woman feel or see if she has false contractions:

• tension in the abdomen, similar to cramps, in different parts of the abdomen (upper, lower, or even closer to the groin area), but not all at once
• during them it is not difficult to palpate the uterus; it, as is often said, “turns to stone”
• sometimes you can see clear contours of a tense uterus
• contractions gradually “fade out” and their intensity decreases (while the strength of prenatal contractions normally only increases)

Fact #2

Most often, training contractions occur in the morning and evening, although, of course, not always and not for everyone. Moreover, if the contractions began in the evening, then at night they, as a rule, subside, and in the morning they can resume again.

The duration of the period of false contractions usually does not exceed two to three hours, but there are also exceptions to this rule. What can we do - we are all different, and the female body, as one of the Orthodox priests noted, can be compared to the most complex computer, while the male body, in his own funny expression, is just a typewriter.

Fact #3

Not all women experience training contractions. Or rather, not everyone feels them. Since the frequency, intensity, duration of contractions, as well as the individual pain threshold, are different for everyone. Therefore, some pregnant women can feel them after 20 weeks, others only towards the end of the nine-month wait, and still others do not even know what it is.

So there is no need to worry if things are steadily moving towards the “performance”, but the “dress rehearsal” has not yet taken place. Most likely, you simply do not feel false contractions.

Fact #4

Although you can often read in specialized literature that training contractions do not cause pregnant women much discomfort, many mothers categorically disagree with this far from indisputable statement.

Often false contractions are quite long in time and strong. They can exhaust even very persistent and positive-minded expectant mothers. And, if you are going to give birth for the first time, you may well mistake them for real contractions. Therefore, if in doubt, go to the doctor or call an ambulance. There's nothing shameful about it. If you are expecting a second, third, and so on child, you will understand what’s what without doctors. In the meantime, you have no experience in this matter and it is better not to take risks. Let the experts reassure you.

Fact #5

Yes, training contractions are completely normal, but if they last long (longer than 3-4 hours in a row) and exhaust you, then you should definitely tell your doctor about them. Perhaps this is a symptom of some kind of trouble.

Fact #6

It is difficult to predict the occurrence of training contractions. However, it has been noticed that they often occur:

• with a full bladder (so try not to let it get to that point)
• after an orgasm or during active sexual activity
• if the expectant mother is stressed
• during heavy physical exertion experienced by a pregnant woman
• in cases of maternal dehydration

Although everything, of course, is individual. What causes your girlfriends or even your sister to start training fights may well have no effect on you. Just try to observe your feelings and, perhaps, you will be able to discern the relationship between some of your actions and the subsequent onset of training contractions.

Fact No. 7

Many people fear that, having gotten used to training contractions, they simply won’t understand when it comes to action.

Do not worry! It is difficult to confuse precursor contractions (even if they are quite strong) with real ones. But you shouldn’t relax either. After all, training contractions may well turn into prenatal contractions. Therefore, even if false or precursor contractions have become commonplace and familiar to you, still listen to your body, pay attention to the frequency, duration and regularity of contractions.

Fact #8

You can distinguish training contractions from the onset of labor by the following signs:

• intervals between contractions of different durations
• contractions are irregular
• pain often decreases or even disappears when changing body position; try to lie down if you were sitting or standing, or get up and walk around if, on the contrary, you were lying down

Fact #9

False contractions can cause many unpleasant moments for the expectant mother, but they are absolutely safe and painless for the child. So no need to worry about the baby either.

Fact #10

If the “rehearsal” continues, albeit intermittently, for several days, then even the most persistent and calm expectant mothers begin to fear that this is not a training session, but the beginning of labor. And they have a fear of not being able to get to the maternity hospital in time.

Don't worry, doctors say that training or precursor contractions never do not precede rapid (4 - 5 hours) or rapid (3 hours) labor. So you will definitely have time to get to the maternity hospital. And this, you see, inspires some optimism.

Training contractions. We alleviate the condition

If you are unlucky and training your body before childbirth, contrary to the assurances of smart books for pregnant women, causes unpleasant sensations and exhausts you, you can try to alleviate your condition in the following ways:

• lie on your left side or just try to find a comfortable position using a pregnancy pillow or regular pillows
• take a knee-elbow position or kneel by the bed and lean your hands on it
• drink water, sometimes it helps relieve stress
• do breathing exercises, try out the breathing methods that are recommended to be used during childbirth (at the same time, you will also practice)
• try counting during contractions: on inhalation - up to four, on exhalation - up to six, the need to concentrate on counting distracts you from thoughts about pain
• take a shower
• watch a good funny movie

Experienced mothers recall that these simple methods helped many of them and, if they did not completely relieve the unpleasant sensations, then at least distracted them from them and allowed them to forget about the discomfort for a while.

It's time - isn't it time?

The first sign that the time has come to move from training to “performance” is the systematicity and regularity of contractions. For one to two hours, record the frequency of contractions, their duration and time intervals between them, or use special contraction counters, which are available on many sites for expectant mothers. If you understand that contractions are regular, their duration is increasing, and the time intervals between them are, on the contrary, decreasing - go to the maternity hospital.

In addition, you should consult a doctor, the sooner the better, if, in addition to training contractions:

• spotting appears (this may be a symptom of placental abruption)
• amniotic fluid has poured out or begun to leak (the information contained in the article will help you understand this)
• the child is “quiet”, barely moving
• nagging pain in the lower back, diarrhea or nausea appeared

So be attentive to yourself, listen sensitively to the slightest changes occurring in your body, do not take unusual signals too lightly, but do not be nervous in vain. And everything will definitely be fine.

Photo - photobank Lori

Maria Sokolova

Reading time: 8 minutes

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Braxton Hicks contractions are commonly called random, painless training contractions. They were named after the English doctor J. Braxton Hicks, who was the first to characterize these contractions in 1872. By their nature, contractions are a short-term contraction of the uterine muscles (from thirty seconds to two minutes), felt by the expectant mother as an increase in uterine tone.

All about training contractions - educational program for expectant mothers

False contractions are necessary for a woman during pregnancy . The uterus needs preparatory training in order to cope with the labor load without problems.

The purpose of Hicks contractions is preparation for labor - both the cervix and the uterus itself.

Features of false contractions-harbingers:

• Shortly before the onset of labor, contractions are harbingers promote shortening of the cervix and its softening. Previously, when there were no ultrasound machines, the appearance of preliminary contractions predicted a near birth.
• Contractions - warning signs occur after the twentieth week of pregnancy.
• They are short-lived - from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. The expectant mother experiences cramps in the uterine area during Hicks' training contractions. The tummy hardens or turns to stone for a while, and then returns to its previous state. Often, women in labor confuse false contractions with real ones and arrive at the maternity hospital ahead of time.
• With increasing gestational age Braxton Hicks contractions become more frequent , and their duration remains unchanged. Many women may not even notice the appearance of such contractions.

Women who feel discomfort during training contractions should try to distract ourselves. An excellent option would be a leisurely walk or a relaxing holiday.

Need to learn relax and breathe properly, listen to your body and understand what it needs.

How to behave during Higgs Braxton contractions?

Training contractions are usually not accompanied by pain, but as the duration of pregnancy increases, they can become more frequent and bring a feeling of discomfort. All phenomena are personal and depend on the sensitivity of the expectant mother.

Warning contractions can be caused by the following:

• Maternal activity or active movements of the baby in the womb;
• Experiences or worries of the expectant mother;
• Dehydration of the body of a pregnant woman;
• Bladder fullness;
• Sex, or, to be more precise, orgasm.

During contractions—precursors—every pregnant woman should know how to behave and how to help herself. The best thing - try to avoid situations that cause false contractions.

If the process does begin, You can alleviate the condition in the following ways:

• Take a warm shower, as water relieves muscle spasms;
• Change body position;
• Take a leisurely walk; when walking, the smooth muscles of the uterus will relax;
• Drink some water, juice or fruit drink;
• Do breathing exercises, which will increase the access of oxygen to the baby;
• Try to relax, lie down, close your eyes and listen to pleasant music.

Learning to distinguish false contractions from real ones

Having noticed the beginning of any contractions, a pregnant woman should take a piece of paper, a pen and record the time and duration of the first and all subsequent contractions. They will help you figure out whether your contractions are real or false.

• Compared to labor pains, training contractions, painless, and can easily pass when walking or when the pregnant woman changes position.
• Labor contractions are regular, but training contractions are not. When real contractions occur, contractions appear in the lower back and spread to the front of the abdomen. The interval between contractions is ten minutes, and over time it decreases and reaches an interval of thirty to seventy seconds.
• Unlike false contractions, labor pains do not go away when walking or changing position. They are characterized by constant strengthening. In the event of rupture of amniotic fluid, the baby must be born within twelve hours, otherwise the infection may enter the uterine cavity and harm the child and the mother in labor.
• During labor, bloody or other discharge appears. This is not typical for training fights.

Attention - when you need to see a doctor urgently!

By their nature, Hicks training contractions are considered completely normal. But there are times when you should immediately seek qualified medical help.

Warning signs include the following:

• Decreased frequency of fetal movements;
• Loss of fetal fluid;
• The appearance of bleeding;
• Pain in the lower back or lower spine;
• Watery or bloody vaginal discharge.
• Repetition of contractions more than four times per minute;
• Feeling of strong pressure on the perineum.

Remember: if you are long term and you feel intense, regular, prolonged and frequent contractions, it may be your baby who is in a hurry to meet you!

As the time approaches for giving birth, pregnant women begin to expect the first signs that will indicate the onset of labor. First-time women have no idea what they should feel, but those who have already given birth once can understand what their body is signaling to them if pain in the lower abdomen appears, reminiscent of contractions. In this article we will talk about what false contractions are and how to distinguish them from real ones.

False contractions have a scientific definition. They are called Braxton-Hicks training contractions (after the doctor who first explained this phenomenon with pregnant women). They represent contractions of the uterus with the same force as during childbirth, but they do not lead to delivery, but only train the uterus before childbirth. Not all women experience training contractions; their occurrence will directly depend on the individual characteristics of the pregnant woman’s body and the conditions in which she lives (physical activity of the pregnant woman, mobility in the womb, excitement, overexcitation, both emotional and sexual).

False contractions during pregnancy: symptoms

How to understand that you have started training contractions. In fact, to understand this, you just need to remember a few factors that determine this phenomenon:

1. Severe pain occurs in any part of the abdomen - the woman feels as if something is strongly squeezing her uterus.
2. Over the course of an hour, less than 6 such sensations occur.
3. They do not have a specific rhythm or cyclicity; contractions occur suddenly.
4. They stop on their own.

As a rule, all of the above symptoms do not occur until the third trimester. Usually the first false contractions occur at 36 weeks of pregnancy.

What to do if false contractions start?

When you feel the symptoms of false contractions at 38 weeks of pregnancy, it's time to learn how to breathe correctly. This skill makes it easier for women during childbirth and helps the child to be born faster with minimal consequences for him. There are two good exercises that expectant mothers need to learn:

• When the contraction begins, begin to slowly inhale the air, and when it subsides, exhale quickly and deeply (imagine that you are blowing out a candle).
• During a contraction, breathe frequently (as dogs do), but do not overdo it so as not to lose consciousness, since with such breathing the required amount of oxygen does not enter the body.

The occurrence of false contractions at the 39th week of pregnancy already greatly alarms a woman, because the birth of a child at this stage is a normal process. However, most often, cramping pain in the lower abdomen during this week of pregnancy is in no way related to the true harbingers of labor. If you feel something like this, then try to distract yourself this way:

• Take a walk down the street - go to the park, look at the water - to calm your nerves and relax as much as possible.
• Take a warm shower or, as a last resort, lie in warm water - this is very relaxing and relieves pain.
• If false contractions occurred when you were sitting or standing for a long time, then simply try changing your position - lie down or walk.
• Drink tea, juice or just a glass of water.
• Listen to your favorite music or watch a good TV series.

False contractions at 40 weeks of pregnancy can also occur, but they should be treated more carefully, as they may be true. Despite doctors' claims that real contractions can be easily distinguished from false ones due to very severe pain, you should know that in addition to it, you will also experience other symptoms:

• Your water may break - the amniotic fluid in which your baby has lived and developed for 9 months will pour out of the perineum.
• Within an hour, you experience contractions that last 5 minutes.
• The child no longer moves so actively - no more than 10 times in 2 hours.
• You may experience light or heavy bleeding, which signals the onset of placental abruption.

To make it easier to survive contractions and the entire process of long and painful childbirth, follow our recommendations:

1. Try to relax as much as possible. In a moment of severe pain, do not bite your lips, do not contort your face, you need to control yourself and think about something distracted. It's time to dream.
2. Breathe very deeply. This will not only ease your suffering, but will also significantly help your baby. After all, in the process of its movement along the birth canal. The baby is sorely lacking oxygen.
3. Do not scream, because this will only worsen the pain, you will get tired faster, and you will need strength during pushing, when the baby is already born.
4. Move more actively - don't lie down. The movement stimulates rapid dilatation of the cervix. You can dance, swing on a fitball, walk, squat - whatever you want.
5. Ask the person who will be present for your birth to massage your lower back. Just be careful in this process, because you can get a severe burn, which will only intensify the pain.
6. Listen carefully to the obstetrician who will help you give birth. You must realize that it will depend on you how long the birth will last, and how difficult it will be for your baby to be born.

Your task is also to learn to understand your body during pregnancy and hear its prompts. The ability to feel your body can be acquired in yoga classes. Many women take preparatory courses there before giving birth. If you believe their reviews, the knowledge they gained helped them a lot during childbirth - they took the right poses so that the pain would not be so severe.

Video “Labor contractions. How to distinguish false ones from real ones?

This video provides detailed instructions on how you can immediately distinguish false contractions from real ones. In addition, it clearly demonstrates what and how to do to ease your condition during labor.

Update: October 2018

As the due date approaches, the expectant mother has more and more questions. Among the many topics of concern to pregnant women is the following: what are false contractions during pregnancy? Unfortunately, not every obstetrician considers it necessary to explain the essence of false contractions, how they differ from real contractions and whether this is normal. Most pregnant women experience false contractions and, as a rule, shortly before childbirth. In addition to such contractions, a number of other harbingers indicate the approaching birth, which are difficult not to notice.

Harbingers of childbirth

The gestation period for women lasts on average 280 days or 40 obstetric weeks. By the end of this period, approximately 2 weeks before, harbingers of labor appear, which inform about its imminent onset. Thanks to the harbingers, the woman understands that the long-awaited meeting with the baby will soon come. These signs appear in all women, in some they are well expressed, while others do not notice them at all. But childbirth rarely begins suddenly, “without warning,” and the period of harbingers is laid down by nature so that the woman has time to prepare and tune in to childbirth. The appearance of all the precursors of labor is not at all necessary; the occurrence of one or two should already alert the woman.

False contractions

The concept of false contractions was introduced by the English doctor Braxton-Hicks at the end of the 19th century, which is why they are also called Braxton-Hicks or training contractions. False contractions are periodic, spontaneous muscle contractions of the uterus. Their appearance is registered as early as 6 weeks of gestation, but in most pregnant women they are felt only after 20 weeks. By the end of pregnancy, at about 38 weeks, false or training contractions are felt by expectant mothers in 70% of cases. Such contractions are called false, since they do not lead to the start of labor and stop on their own.

Abdominal prolapse

The belly drops in expectant mothers a couple of weeks before birth in first-time mothers and a few hours in multiparous mothers. This is due to the fact that the presenting part of the baby, usually the head, is pressed against the entrance to the pelvis, pulling the uterus along with it. At the same time, its upper part (bottom) also descends, which relieves the pressure of the uterus on the chest and abdominal cavities. From that moment on, the woman notices easier breathing, shortness of breath disappears with little physical exertion, but being in a sitting position or walking becomes more difficult. Since the uterus no longer lifts the stomach, heartburn and belching disappear. But the downward movement of the uterus increases pressure on the bladder, which is manifested by increased urination.

With prolapse of the uterus, a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and discomfort in the area of ​​the inguinal ligaments may occur. It is also possible that tingling may occur in the legs and lower back. These symptoms are associated with irritation of the nerve endings located in the pelvis when the head is inserted into its entrance.

The mucus plug comes off

This sign is considered the most characteristic, it is difficult not to notice it. From the early stages of pregnancy, the cervical glands begin to produce a thick secretion that fills the cervical canal and prevents the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the uterine cavity, thereby protecting the fetus and amniotic fluid from infection. On the eve of childbirth, the production of estrogen in a woman’s body increases, due to which the cervix begins to soften and open slightly, which facilitates the passage of the mucus plug. Characteristic signs of its discharge are jelly-like mucous clots that are visible on the underwear. The color of the mucus plug varies from white or transparent to yellowish or pinkish. Often, streaks of blood are visible in the plug, which is considered normal and indicates the imminent onset of labor (within 24 hours). The mucus plug is released either entirely at once, or in parts throughout the day. Removal of the plug is painless, but drawing pain in the lower abdomen may occur. The time it takes for the plug to come out varies. It can go away either 2 weeks before the onset of labor or immediately with the onset of labor.

Weight loss

One to two weeks before the onset of contractions, the pregnant woman’s weight decreases (by about 500 grams - 2 kg). The effect of progesterone, which retains fluid in the body, decreases, and estrogens come into play. As a result, excess fluid is removed from the body, swelling is reduced, and it is much easier to put on shoes and put on gloves with rings.

Changes in urination and bowel movements

Most pregnant women notice the appearance of constipation before childbirth, which is associated with compression of the rectum by the presenting part of the child. But the opposite situation is also possible - the occurrence of diarrhea. Urination also becomes more frequent, as the fetal head puts pressure on the bladder, causing a frequent desire to urinate. Urinary incontinence is possible, especially during physical activity.

Change in fetal movement

Towards the end of pregnancy, the expectant mother notices a decrease in the child’s motor activity. This is due to rapid growth and increase in fetal weight. The baby becomes cramped in the uterus, which is reflected in his movements; they become fewer.

Frequent mood changes

On the eve of childbirth, a pregnant woman is characterized by frequent mood changes. Activity and efficiency suddenly gives way to tears, which is caused by neuroendocrine processes and fatigue by the woman. Often, expectant mothers become apathetic, drowsy and seek solitude. All these signs indicate the accumulation of energy before the upcoming birth.

Causes and characteristics of false contractions

What are false contractions for? First of all, they keep the uterus in good shape, “train” it before childbirth and create conditions for the “ripening” of the cervix. Secondly, thanks to training folds, blood flow to the child increases, which contributes to its better saturation with oxygen and nutrients. It becomes clear that false contractions are absolutely normal manifestations that you should not be afraid of. There are a number of factors that can cause false contractions to occur.

Provoking factors

Training contractions appear under the following conditions:

• excessive physical activity (housework, sports, prolonged standing, etc.);
• taking a hot shower/bath;
• increased motor activity of the fetus;
• drinking strong alcohol frequently (stimulates the nervous system and increases the tone of the uterus);
• emotional stress, stress;
• active sex and orgasm (the release of oxytocin, which promotes uterine contractions);
• smoking and drinking alcohol;
• fatigue, sleep disturbance;
• a full bladder (puts pressure on the uterus, forcing it to contract);
• (the volume of circulating blood decreases, the blood supply to the uterus deteriorates, which provokes its contractions);
• improper or insufficient nutrition;
• multiple pregnancy or large fetus (the space is too small for the child/children, any movement of them irritates the uterine walls);
• overeating or feeling hungry, drinking soda (causes the stomach to contract, the irritation of which is transmitted to the uterus);
• touching the stomach by a stranger.

Characteristics of false contractions

As indicated, false contractions occur in the second half of gestation, but usually on the eve of childbirth (at 38–39 weeks of pregnancy). As a rule, training contractions appear in the evening, when the woman is resting. These contractions do not cause pain and occur irregularly and infrequently. In addition, false contractions only prepare the cervix for dilatation, but do not cause it. Some expectant mothers may not feel false contractions, but this does not indicate abnormalities.

Symptoms and sensations

Since each body is individual, the symptoms of false labor may vary. Some feel them well due to the significant intensity and severity of the unpleasant sensations, while for others they pass almost unnoticed. Characteristic signs of training contractions include:

• contractions are irregular, it is impossible to catch the rhythm of their occurrence (they can occur every 5 - 6 hours (but less than 6 times per hour) and after 1 - 2 days;
• the duration of false contractions is short, a few seconds, no more than a minute;
• tension (compression) of the uterus;
• Vivid sensations during contractions do not cause pain, but bring discomfort;
• usually occur in the evening or at night, when the woman is resting (during the day, expectant mothers often do not pay attention to them);
• the intensity of contractions quickly decreases with changes in body position.

What does it feel like to have false contractions? In many cases, training contractions are painless, and expectant mothers tolerate them quite easily. But in the case of a low threshold of pain sensitivity, false contractions are very unpleasant and even require assistance. The sensations during false contractions are reminiscent of menstrual pain: they are of a pulling nature and occur in the lower abdomen. A woman can also feel the hardening of the uterus herself by placing her hand on her stomach.

Differences between real contractions and false ones

How to distinguish false contractions from real ones? Signs of training and true contractions are shown in the table:

How to deal with false contractions

To eliminate the discomfort caused by training contractions, following some recommendations will help:

Walk

A leisurely walk in a park or square will not only help eliminate discomfort, but will also enrich the mother’s blood with oxygen, which is beneficial for the baby.

Change body position

Sometimes it’s enough to change your body position and take the most comfortable position. If a pregnant woman is lying down, you can stand up and take a few steps, or sit down while standing for a long time.

Get distracted

Watching your favorite movie, listening to calm music or reading a book will help you unwind and relax.

Warm water

Taking a warm shower or bath with aromatic oil can help relieve Braxton Hicks contractions.

Correct breathing

The occurrence of false contractions is an excellent time to practice proper breathing during childbirth, which was taught in classes at mothers’ school. Take deep breaths through your nose, trying to exhale slowly and smoothly through your mouth, with your lips pursed into a tube. You can try breathing like a dog - intermittent and frequent, but do not get carried away, otherwise you will feel dizzy.

Drink water or have a snack

If false contractions are caused by dehydration, drinking a glass of plain water is enough to relieve them. In case of hunger, even mild, which provoked uterine contractions, you should have a snack that is easily digestible and nutritious (for example, a banana).

When to call an ambulance

Sometimes situations arise when you urgently need to call an ambulance or contact your doctor:

• the gestational age at which uterine contractions appeared is less than 36 weeks (the threat of premature birth cannot be ruled out);
• the occurrence of moderate or heavy bleeding (suspicion of placental abruption);
• the appearance of watery discharge (possible leakage of amniotic fluid);
• discharge of the mucus plug before 36 weeks;
• pressing pain in the sacral and lumbar regions;
• feeling of pressure in the perineum;
• excessive physical activity of the child or its sharp decrease;
• the frequency of contractions is 3 or more in 10 minutes (the beginning of labor).

Preliminary period - what does it mean? The preliminary period is the period of time during which a woman’s body prepares for childbirth. That is, the preliminary period can be called the preparatory period, during which the harbingers of childbirth appear. A normal preliminary period is recorded in 30–33% of women at the end of gestation (38–40 weeks). The physiological preliminary period is characterized by:

• contractions that occur with varying frequency, duration and intensity, but lasting no more than 6 – 8 hours;
• contractions may disappear on their own and reappear after 24 hours;
• the pregnant woman’s sleep and general well-being are satisfactory;
• the expectant mother is fully ready for childbirth (“mature” cervix, positive mammary and oxytocin tests, etc.);
• the uterus is in normal tone, the fetus does not suffer in utero;
• in 70%, the normal preliminary period develops into adequate labor.

Pathological preliminary period

A pathological preliminary period is spoken of when the preparatory period is prolonged, characterized by irregular but painful contractions that do not contribute to structural changes in the cervix. It is diagnosed in 10–17% of pregnant women and, as a rule, develops into labor anomalies (weakness of contractions or incoordination of contractions). In foreign literature, such a pathology is called “false birth.”

Causes

The pathological nature of the preliminary period can be provoked by:

• emotional lability and neuroses;
• endocrine pathology (obesity or underweight, menstrual irregularities, genital infantilism, etc.);
• somatic pathology (heart defects, arrhythmias, hypertension, kidney and liver diseases);
• chronic inflammatory processes of the uterus and cervix;
• large fruit;
• (dystrophic processes);
• fear of childbirth, unwanted pregnancy;
• first births in women under 17 and over 30;
• little-and;
• incorrect position of the fetus and placenta;
• and so on.

How it manifests itself

The clinical picture of the pathological preliminary period is characterized by painful contractions that occur not only at night, but also during the day. Contractions are irregular and do not become true for a long time. The pathological preliminary period can last from one to ten days, which disrupts the pregnant woman’s sleep and contributes to her fatigue.

The cervix does not undergo structural changes, that is, it does not “ripe.” It is long, located anteriorly or posteriorly, dense, and the outer and inner pharynx are closed. Also, the lower segment of the uterus does not unfold, and the uterus itself is easily excitable and has increased tone.

The presenting part of the child does not press against the entrance to the pelvis for a long time, despite the absence of any discrepancy between the sizes of the baby and the mother’s pelvis. The presence of hypertonicity of the uterus makes it difficult to palpate the head and small parts of the child.

Uterine contractions are monotonous for a long time, the intervals between them do not shorten and the intensity of contractions does not increase. The psycho-emotional status of the expectant mother also suffers. She is irritable and whiny, aggressive and afraid of childbirth, doubting its successful completion.

The long course of the pathological preliminary period is often complicated by premature rupture of water and. Due to energy consumption, this pathology often develops into weakness of the generic forces.

Autonomic disorders are often observed (neurocirculatory dystonia, increased sweating), the woman complains of pain in the lumbar and sacral regions, palpitations and shortness of breath, painful movements of the baby.

Question answer

Question:
I am about to give birth for the first time and I am afraid that I will not be able to distinguish false contractions from true ones. What do i do?

Many first-time women are afraid to miss real contractions, mistaking them for false ones. Doctors recommend: if there is any doubt about false contractions, especially if they are painful and last a minute or more, you should go to the maternity hospital. The obstetrician will conduct an internal vaginal examination and evaluate maturity and. If the alarm is false, the woman will be sent home with a recommendation to report to the antenatal clinic in 2 to 3 days.

Question:
When I gave birth for the first time, the doctors told me about some incorrect preparatory contractions and after a while they opened the amniotic sac, after which I gave birth myself. What was it and is there a high probability of this situation repeating in the second birth?

During your first birth, you experienced a pathological preliminary period. The likelihood of its development in the second birth depends on many reasons, but first of all on the mood for the successful completion of childbirth. Attend mothers' school, practice self-hypnosis and breathing exercises, try to get rid of the fear of childbirth and follow the doctor's recommendations. Competent psychoprophylactic preparation for childbirth will significantly reduce the chances of a pathological course of the preparatory period.

Question:
I am 41–42 weeks (recalculated at the antenatal clinic), but there are no false contractions or other precursors of labor. What to do?

You may be postterm pregnant. To stimulate labor, use natural methods (long walks, sex, certain foods, etc.).

Question:
How is the pathological preliminary period treated?

The tactics for managing a woman depend on the duration of the pathological preparatory period, the condition of the cervix, the intensity of pain, and the condition of the mother and child. If the cervix is ​​“mature” and the duration of this pathology is less than 6 hours, the amniotic sac is opened to stimulate contractions. If the cervix is ​​“immature”, but this period lasts 6 hours or less, sedatives (Relanium) are prescribed and the cervix is ​​prepared (prepidil-gel intracervically). In the case of a prolonged course (more than 10 hours) of the pathological preparatory period, medicinal sleep-rest is prescribed, after which the pregnant woman wakes up in the active phase of contractions.

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Pregnancy for a woman becomes a difficult, important period when the body undergoes a serious test. Training contractions are false sensations that can begin either in the second half of pregnancy or closer to the 40th week. This is not a deviation in the development of the fetus and is not a reason to immediately sound the alarm. Most of the sensations that a woman experiences are aimed at preparing the body for labor.

What are training contractions?

This phenomenon is characterized by paroxysmal tension of the uterus, it does not bring unpleasant sensations and does not cause discomfort. This muscle contraction is also called Braxton-Hicks contractions. They may begin suddenly and at irregular intervals. Some women say that their preparatory contractions repeat once a day, and for some almost every hour. During false contractions, the expectant mother experiences how the muscles of the uterus tense, and attacks of abdominal tension occur at different intervals.

Causes

Not everyone experiences Braxton-Hicks contractions; there are a number of reasons for the appearance of false muscle contractions. The following factors are identified that may affect this:

• excessive activity of the mother or fetus;
• touching the stomach;
• dehydration;
• serious physical activity;
• stormy intimate life;
• psycho-emotional stress;
• full bladder.

During actual childbirth, a woman will have to put in a lot of effort, so this process prepares the uterus. If during the entire period of pregnancy the muscles have never tensed, they will remain in a relaxed state and during real labor, there may simply not be enough strength. Immediately before birth, this phenomenon helps to soften the cervix, due to contraction it becomes shorter, which leads to dilatation of the cervix. This is a kind of training for the body to facilitate the process.

Does everyone have

There are a large number of women who have not experienced any training contractions. This does not mean that the muscles of the uterus did not work before childbirth. Expectant mothers may simply not notice them due to pain threshold, lifestyle and other factors. Much depends on individual tolerance, but the uterus will definitely tense up and prepare for labor at certain intervals. Primiparas often do not experience any sensations, but during the second pregnancy they already notice uterine contractions.

How to distinguish training contractions from real ones

Mothers should listen carefully to what is happening in their bodies. For this reason, it is important to know how to distinguish real contractions from training contractions. The main difference is that during prenatal contractions the cervix dilates, but during training contractions this does not happen, which indicates false contractions. There are two main factors that help women distinguish real labor from false labor:

• rhythm of contractions;
• painful sensations.

Symptoms

A girl should know how to distinguish real contractions from false ones. As a rule, during training contractions a slight tension appears in the lower abdomen. Often the sensation is localized on one side (left or right), lasts a couple of seconds or minutes and passes. Visually, this may look like the baby’s butt or head protruding, and the stomach takes on a “pointed” shape. The expectant mother can get additional benefit from false contractions by starting to do breathing exercises.

As a rule, training contractions are painless. Their intensity may increase with the duration of pregnancy, and sometimes minor pain appears. They can be recognized by 4 main characteristics:

• the interval between them is not equal, there is no predictability, the next contraction may last longer or occur earlier than the previous one;
• irregularity, less than 6 voltages in 1 hour;
• contraction concentrated in one area, may be localized in the lower abdomen, upper uterus or groin;
• physical discomfort is felt, but not pain, it gradually subsides and completely disappears.

Feel

Women describe this condition as a sudden tension in the abdomen. The sensations during training contractions do not cause pain; they appear spontaneously, sometimes increase, but more often sharply. The duration of the training contraction is no more than 2 minutes; it passes completely or is repeated after some time. In rare cases, frequent contractions are accompanied by pain. If it is prolonged and acute, accompanied by discharge, you should immediately call a doctor and go to the hospital.

What week do training contractions begin?

Girls want to know when false cramps may begin, but even a gynecologist cannot tell you the exact week. In some women, they occur in the second trimester of pregnancy if there are disturbances in the functioning of the internal secretion organs. In most cases, they begin within 2 weeks and become a harbinger of labor. The hormonal system begins to adjust the biochemical reactions that are needed for real labor. The incidence is higher if the fetus has grown too large.

How long do false contractions last?

The duration of the attacks is one factor indicating that these are training contractions. False contractions last no more than 2 minutes, often even a few seconds. The closer to childbirth, the more often contractions will occur, but the duration will not change. If you experience discomfort, it can be reduced by certain methods. Often the birth breathing technique or switching attention to something more interesting helps.

What to do during training contractions

As a rule, nothing needs to be done; some mothers do not even notice the tension. If spotting or severe pain appears, this indicates possible premature birth - you should immediately consult a doctor at the hospital. To reduce discomfort during training contractions, you can use the following methods:

1. Change your body position. Moms who have experience advise lying on your left side and drinking a glass of still water before doing this. Rest helps relieve pain. When it is not possible to lie down, it is recommended to sit down.
2. Warm shower. Water helps relieve tension and relax the muscles of the body.
3. Take No-shpa or Papaverine. These are medications from the group of antispasmodics; they help relieve pain, but you should not take them on your own. Before taking, be sure to consult your doctor.

Each human body is unique, so there is no recipe that would suit all girls. Only the girl herself will be able to recognize training spasms, feel them and understand what can be done to relieve them. If this is the first child, then you need to very clearly understand whether this is the beginning of labor, before which irregular and short-term contractions should become more frequent. Otherwise, you will disrupt the natural process of labor. You need to see a doctor if you have the following symptoms:

• water breaks;
• bloody issues;
• pain in the lower back, lower back;
• the fetus began to move noticeably less;
• diarrhea, nausea;
• bleeding;
• painful contractions, cramps.

How long after training contractions does labor begin?

The standard pregnancy period is 9 months, but the process begins for each woman at a different time: some give birth at 27 weeks, others at 41. Training contractions are even less predictable; they begin individually for each mother and proceed differently. It has been noted that some pregnant women feel them constantly throughout the last trimester, as the body increases muscle tone.

The earliest recorded date is week 20. At this time they are very weak, so not every woman has a way to feel them. Contractions will intensify over time due to the growth of the fetus, unpleasant sensations may appear, and the tension will last longer. The woman in labor clearly feels the contraction at 32-34 weeks. In the last days before childbirth, they strongly resemble labor.

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The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and make recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.