Pain: What Is It?

Pregnancy is the term for the first contractions that announce that childbirth is near. They can be for hours or for several days. In addition, all women experience them differently.

Prepares the cervix

Aches and pains are there to prepare the cervix for childbirth. They help the baby fixate its head down into the cervix and soften the cervix.

A mature cervix feels soft to the touch and your midwife will examine it. The more mature the cervix is, the faster the enlargement progresses.

From week 30 onwards, many pregnant women experience so-called exercise contractions, or Braxton Hicks contractions. These have the task of training the uterus before childbirth.

During contractions, the abdomen tightens for a few seconds, followed by a slight pressure in the area in and around the vagina.

Unlike convulsions, you usually do not feel any pain or discomfort during these. In some cases, they go unnoticed by the woman. However, some women may feel pain during exercise contractions.

How to recognize hurts

Cramps are irregular contractions. They do not have a regular pattern and they vary in intensity. They usually last between 15 and 45 seconds but can reach up to a minute.

There are many variables that define the symptoms of miscarriage: the position of the baby, the condition of the mother and her pain tolerance. The discomfort is said to be similar to that of menstrual cramps or stomach cramps.

Also keep in mind that the symptoms may vary for first-time mothers compared to the second or third birth.

As I said, convulsions also vary in intensity. Some can cause a lot of pain first and then disappear. Others can almost go unnoticed.

The important thing is to be aware of the pattern they are following. When the contractions become regular, the labor has begun. Early contractions occur once every 4 or 5 minutes, approximately.

Cramps usually occur in the evening and at night. It is then that oxytocin, known as the anti-stress or relaxation hormone, is released into the body.

What to do during the abortions?

There is no need to go to the hospital because you feel pain. Especially for first-time mothers, the contractions are often confusingly similar to the real contractions, so the mother often wants to go to the hospital immediately.

It is important to recognize the symptoms to identify the different types of contractions. If the contractions are not regular in time and intensity, the birth has not started.

Birth pains come regularly with less than 7 minutes between each ache. Usually they have the same pain index or increase in intensity. In addition, they often come with other symptoms, such as mucus plug or amniotic fluid.

Practice your breathing

During labor, it is the perfect opportunity to practice the breathing techniques you will use during childbirth.

If the contraction is weak, deep breathing can be used. This helps to relax both body and soul.

As the contractions become more intense, light breathing can help. You then breathe in and out air quickly through your mouth. This helps control the pain.

Rest and drink a lot

Rest. Given that the contractions are irregular, take advantage when you do not feel any contractions to rest. It restores the body and you save energy.

Some pregnant women prefer to walk or exercise when they do not have contractions. The decision to do this depends on how much discomfort or exhaustion you experience.

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. In some cases, you lose your appetite during the contractions. It is important to remember that this can be for hours or even days.

If you do not want to eat, it does not matter, but it is important that you do not become dehydrated. Be sure to drink the recommended amounts of water. You can also supplement your intake with teas or sports drinks.

Light meals are preferable during the time of convulsions.  Heavy, fatty foods in large quantities can lead to physical discomfort.

Keep in close contact with your midwife and caregiver when you begin to feel contractions, especially if you are a first-time mother. It helps reduce any anxiety.