A Better Understanding of Contractions

At the end of the third trimester of pregnancy a woman experiences contractions to prepare the body for birth. Contractions are really painful and can be compared to serious gas or menstrual cramping. They are not centered in one area but instead move from the uppermost part of the uterus and end at the lower part of the abdomen.

As time goes on, the length and pain of the contractions increase. They start peaking more quickly as the time of birth draws nearer. Women do not have the same experience with contractions as others. They are unique to the individual. For some, the pain might be in the abdominal area and back. Other women experience the pain in their upper thighs or have their water break.

There are two different types of labor contractions. Braxton Hicks are actually false labor pains. These normally occur during the 2nd or 3rd trimester. They are not nearly as painful or long as true labor pains. They also do not increase in intensity.

The other type of labor contraction is true labor contractions. These are the real deal and cause more pain than Braxton Hicks. These occur regularly and last anywhere from thirty to seventy seconds. As time passes, they are closer together. You cannot change position and make them go away. You may also get diarrhea, cramping or a sour stomach from true labor contractions. Do not be alarmed if you notice a bloody discharge when your water breaks.

It is important to know when to get in touch with the doctor. Keep a notepad and watch handy so that you can record the length and time between contractions. If they are between 5 and 7 minutes apart then it is time to call the doctor.

There are several herbs that can help you to be prepared for birth. Mitchella Repens and Rubus Idaeus can help to encourage contractions and make the experience of giving birth less stressful. Passion Flower and Licorice can help to lower your anxious thoughts and calm your nerves. They also help to stimulate contractions.

It is important to give yourself as many tools as possible before your date of birth. Try to become schooled in both relaxation and deep breathing techniques. Attending classes can also be really helpful. Make sure that you bring your partner along so that you can feel more like a team. A labor coach or doula can be really helpful because they are so experienced in the birthing process. They can offer you tips that you might never have thought of on your own.