Generality
Preparatory contractions are spasms perceived at the level of the abdomen, which occur spontaneously in the last trimester of pregnancy . Their purpose is to prepare the uterus for childbirth .
Also called Braxton-Hicks contractions, preparatory contractions vaguely resemble menstrual cramps : most women experience a similar tension at the uterine level. At the same time, other mild symptoms may occur, such as hardening of the belly and pain in the lumbar region .
Did you know that…
The preparatory ones are the first contractions that occur during pregnancy.
The frequency and intensity with which preparatory contractions manifest themselves tend to increase in the terminal stages of gestation, especially when labor is imminent. Therefore, uterine spasms can be confused with labor pains . Unlike the latter, however, the preparatory contractions do not cause severe pain and do not induce any dilation.
Preparatory contractions appear spontaneously, but, in the final stages of gestation , they can be more easily presented as a reaction to fetal movements, accidental bumps, sexual stimulation, excessive dehydration or insufficient rest .
Knowing how to distinguish the preparatory contractions from the "real" dilation contractions is important for the expectant mother, as it allows her to avoid unnecessary worries.
Synonyms
The preparatory contractions that occur during the last months of pregnancy are also known as contractions of Braxton Hicks, from the name of the English doctor who first identified them (1872).
What are
What is meant by Preparatory Contractions?
Preparatory contractions are isolated and non-rhythmic spasms of the uterine musculature, which can be felt already in the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy .
This sort of " false pains of labor " are perceived by the pregnant woman as a feeling of bite at the level of the abdomen, for a period ranging from 30 seconds to one minute . During this time, the bump hardens and lumbar pain may appear.
Braxton Hicks contractions fall into a preparatory phase, very useful before giving birth, which can last, overall, even a few days .
Unlike the labor pains that occur during labor, the preparatory contractions:
- They are relatively painless (they are not as painful as "real" contractions);
- They are irregular (they are not continuous or at a particular rhythm);
- They attenuate slowly (instead of increasing).
Although the fibers of the uterine muscle tissues contract repeatedly, then the preparatory contractions have no effect on the cervix, which does not undergo particular modifications; in other words, the cervix does not dilate and does not shorten.
Generally speaking, preparatory contractions should not:
- Occur more than three times per hour;
- Intensified.
It should be noted that not all women experience preparatory contractions during pregnancy.
To remember
Preparatory contractions must be understood as "exercises" of the body in labor . These occur in the preparatory phase of childbirth, in the last trimester of pregnancy, and should not be confused with the actual dilatory contractions, which herald the birth of the child.
Causes
Preparatory contractions are essentially muscle contractions induced by the hormone oxytocin in order to strengthen the uterine muscles and promote blood flow to the placenta.
Preparatory contractions occur spontaneously. During pregnancy, spasms may occur more easily also due to the reaction to fetal movements or too full bladder . Other conditions that can favor the appearance of preparatory contractions include: accidental bumps, sexual stimulation, excessive dehydration or insufficient rest of the pregnant woman.
Why do they occur?
The preparatory contractions have the function of predisposing the body to the birth of the child (so much so that often they are also called "test contractions" ).
The function of these "false" labor pains consists, therefore, in preparing the uterus for labor, much earlier than the date of birth .
Unlike the labor contractions that precede the birth of the child, those of Braxton-Hicks do not cause the shortening and dilation of the cervix.
Symptoms and Complications
Preparatory contractions are spasms of the uterine musculature, noticeable since the second trimester of pregnancy, which become more frequent during the third trimester .
How long are the Preparatory Contractions?
The preparatory contractions last about 30-60 seconds, during which the belly becomes hard and remains contracted for a few moments, then everything returns to normal. These spasms appear at irregular intervals and, generally, they are not close together (in some cases, however, they can occur even at intervals of 5-10 minutes) and can suddenly cease.
Are the Preparatory Contractions painful?
The painful sensation is almost completely absent : the preparatory contractions resemble more the discomfort or discomfort caused by menstrual cramps.
However, every pregnancy has its own peculiarities, so there are women who never experience these symptoms.
The variables that make it possible to feel the preparatory contractions are numerous and include:
- Weight and constitution of the expectant mother;
- Pain threshold (variable from woman to woman).
How to distinguish them from the "Real" Contractions
Preparatory contractions tend to be more intense in the last quarter, when childbirth is approaching. For this reason, the actual labor pains could be confused.
Unlike the contractions of childbirth, the preparatory ones are recognized for various reasons, among which:
- They do not occur in succession: these contractions are not regular, but they are sporadic and last less than 30-40 seconds;
- They do not increase in frequency and do not have progressive intensity: even if they cause discomfort, the extent of the contraction remains constant and the discomfort does not increase in the subsequent ones;
- They do not involve painful symptoms: they can be so mild that, at times, they are not felt by the pregnant woman (however not strong and regular enough to induce labor);
- They tend to resolve if the future mother walks, changes position or lies down.
Frequently, preparatory contractions can be felt in the following cases:
- The child is moving;
- The pregnant woman has a full bladder;
- After a sexual relationship;
- The future mother is particularly dehydrated.
Signs to watch out for
Women who experience preparatory contractions should not worry, except in cases where there is the simultaneous appearance of severe abdominal pain, bleeding, continuous vaginal fluid loss or bleeding. In this case, expectant mothers should immediately contact their GP or gynecologist.
Differences with labor pains
Preparatory contractions are not usually painful, but vaguely resemble menstrual cramps. In addition to abdominal spasms, most women experience mild transient symptoms (eg hardening of the bump and lower back pain).
The prodromal contractions that are experienced during labor, on the other hand, are decidedly more painful and, with the passage of time, are repeated at more and more regular intervals (every 2-6 minutes).
Labor pains progressively increase in intensity becoming more and more annoying for the woman who experiences them and do not diminish by changing position or walking. The pain associated with "real" contractions occurs in the area of the abdomen extending, then to the lumbar area, radiating to the hips, thighs and pubis.
On the contrary, the preparatory contractions affect the abdomen, follow a regular intermittence and do not intensify in temporal progression. The latter tend to disappear by changing position, lying down or walking.
Remedies and Tips
The preparatory contractions do not represent a danger for the expectant mother, nor for the course of the pregnancy or for the health of the child.
How to mitigate the Preparatory Contractions
To alleviate the discomfort caused by the preparatory contractions, it is possible to implement various precautions, such as:
- Walking and changing position;
- Rest, lying on one side;
- Try relaxing with a nice massage or a hot drink;
- Try to stay calm, checking your breathing;
- Drink lots of fluids;
- Take a bath in warm water.
What to do in case of doubt
If you have doubts about the nature of the contractions that occur during gestation, it is always advisable to consult the reference gynecologist.
Recourse to a doctor is necessary even when the complaints are not attenuated even by changing position, walking or in cases where they occur:
- Vaginal bleeding ;
- Continuous loss of liquids .
These conditions can be the harbinger of a premature birth or a miscarriage .
If the pregnancy has a period of less than 37 weeks and there are typical contractions of late gestation or the baby's movements are reduced (less than 10 movements in two hours), it is essential to consult a doctor.
