Should we know exactly what contractions are during pregnancy?

One of the biggest concerns, perhaps the most daunting, for an expectant mother is the pain of labor, or contractions. How painful is it? Will I be able to bear it? How do I know if the pain is really starting or if it's just a false pain? You probably have many questions like these in your mind. So today, let's talk about this very simply.

Simply put, what are these contractions?

Contractions are the rhythmic contractions of the muscles in your uterus, which tighten and relax in a rhythmic manner. It's like clenching your fist and then releasing it. This tightening and relaxing of the uterus prepares the way for the baby to come into the world.

These contractions do three main things:

1. Cervix Preparation: Your cervix begins to open (dilate) and thin (efface). This makes way for the baby to descend.

2. Pushing the baby down: As the uterus contracts, it pushes the baby down through the birth canal.

3. Reduces bleeding: These 'contractions' continue for a while after the baby is born. They tighten the blood vessels in the uterus and stop unnecessary bleeding.

What is the difference between real pain and fake pain?

This is the biggest problem for many mothers. Especially for those who are expecting their first baby, there is a high chance of confusing the two. In medical terms, we call false labor pains `(Braxton Hicks contractions)`. These are like a rehearsal for labor.

Let's clearly distinguish the difference between these two in this way.

How do you accurately measure the timing of contractions?

When you start having pain, if you call the hospital, one of the things the doctor or nurse will definitely ask is, "How often does the pain come?" and "How long has it been since it started?" So it's very important to measure this accurately.

You can turn on a stopwatch on your phone, or get a piece of paper and a pen ready.

1. Frequency: Measure the time between the onset of one pain and the onset of the next. This is the frequency.

2. Duration of pain: Measure the time from the onset of a pain until the pain is completely gone . This is usually measured in seconds.

By writing down the times when you experience several pains this way, you can better understand the pattern. It's also much easier to explain the details to your doctor.

How does this pain feel?

This varies from person to person. Some people feel it differently than others. Many people describe this pain as:

• It's like a very severe menstrual pain .
• A wave-like tightening coming from the top of the uterus down.
• It feels like someone is squeezing my entire stomach.
• Sometimes the pain can spread to the back and legs.
• As the actual labor pains become more intense, it can become so difficult that you can't even talk or walk during the pain.

But the best thing is, you don't feel any pain between the two contractions. You feel completely relieved at that time.

What can you do at home to get relief when the pain comes?

You don't need to go to the hospital as soon as you start having pain (unless your doctor has advised you otherwise). If you're about three weeks away from your due date and you don't have any other health problems, you can stay home until the pain subsides. In the meantime, try these things to help ease the pain:

• Take a hot shower: Taking a hot shower can help relax muscles and provide relief.
• Get a massage: Ask your partner or a friend to give you a back and shoulder massage.
• Breathe deeply: When pain comes, take slow, deep breaths and exhale. This can help a lot in managing the pain.
• Change positions: Instead of staying in the same position, walk, sit, stand, and find a position that is comfortable for you.
• Apply an ice pack: Some people find relief by applying an ice pack to the lower back.
• Distract yourself: watch a movie you like, listen to a song, read a book.

When should I go to the hospital?

This is the most important part. The advice that doctors usually give is the "5-1-1" rule. That is:

• If the pain comes every 5 minutes ,
• If one pain lasts for about 1 minute (60 seconds) ,
• If this pattern continues for 1 hour ,

Now is the best time to go to the hospital. But this is just general advice. If your doctor has given you other advice based on your condition, be sure to follow it.

If you have these symptoms, regardless of the pattern of pain, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU):

• Your water breaks: If a watery liquid suddenly or gradually comes out of the vagina.
• Vaginal bleeding: If the bleeding is dark red, like during menstruation.
• If you have a planned cesarean section (C-section) .
• If you have other medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure .
• If you feel that you are not feeling your baby's movements very well .

In such a situation, do not stay at home. The safest thing to do is to seek medical advice immediately.

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