What are contractions in pregnancy? How to manage them?

Contractions in pregnancy are strong muscular contractions of the uterus, needed to open the cervix (or neck of the uterus) and to help move the baby down and essentially, push it out.

The word “contraction” implies that things shrink, which is true of the uterus itself. As the birth progresses, the uterus gets smaller and smaller with each contraction, which in turn helps push the baby down and out.

The uterus is a muscle , and it is a very special muscle , in that it is the only muscle in the body that can go from the size of a pre-pregnancy pear to the size of a large balloon, and then back again post birth back to being a baby. like a pear.

The contraction of the uterus also causes the cervix to dilate : it opens, softens, retracts into the uterus, and eventually disappears completely, making room for the baby. During contractions it can be helpful to focus on the feelings of “expanding,” meaning that it is blossoming, opening up like a flower, creating a soft, sensual space.

Labor contractions

The contractions become more intense and long-lasting and get closer as the birth progresses. They often start happening irregularly and last about 30 seconds. Once labor has progressed they become more regular and at this point you may experience 3-4 contractions in a 10 minute period, each lasting about 45-60 seconds.

Contractions usually last no more than a minute.

It’s the effort of the uterus’ contraction that creates the cramping sensation, kind of like the cramps experienced during menstruation, when the uterus contracts to shed its inner lining.

Try to welcome these sensations and have a positive attitude towards the raw power of this amazing muscle. These cramps represent the body working very hard to deliver the baby. The best thing you can do is keep your mind calm and your emotions calm , which will facilitate this process.

Once we understand the mechanics of birth, we can easily trust our body and follow it, relaxing in the process it all.