What are the symptoms of uterine contractions? Contractions usually begin about a month before delivery. At first, the sensation is not obvious; you only feel them when you touch your abdomen. So what are uterine contractions? What are their symptoms? Let's take a look!
What are uterine contractions?
Uterine contractions, as the name suggests, are physiological contractions of the uterus in women, which include two types: Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor contractions. True labor contractions are one of the most obvious and typical signs of labor in pregnant women, while Braxton Hicks contractions are just occasional uterine contractions and do not lead to the completion of the delivery process.
So how do you distinguish between real and false contractions? How can you differentiate them based on symptoms?
Symptoms of uterine contractions: 1. Different levels of pain
False labor contractions are weak, ranging from painless to mild discomfort, and are irregular, non-cyclical, and painless. True labor contractions, on the other hand, are a tight, pulling pain.
Symptoms of uterine contractions 2. Different locations of pain
False labor contractions typically occur in the front, lower abdomen. True labor contractions typically occur in the lower abdomen and may also radiate to the lower back.
Symptoms of uterine contractions 3. Different time intervals
False labor contractions are short-lived. True labor contractions last about 10 minutes each, accompanied by abdominal pain. The duration of the contractions gradually increases, to about 40-60 seconds each. The intensity also increases, and the intervals shorten to about 3-5 minutes each.
