Today I want to talk about your baby’s arch that stays inside your womb forever – and that’s contractions. While your womb was built to grow a baby, it was also was built to expel it. It does this by contracting to push the baby through the birth canal – but what should you expect? We are going to dive into that today in this post! When you’re done, you should know a lot more about contractions, but also where to get more information if you need it, so let’s go!
Before we get to the meat of curls, it’s always smart to ask why the heck a site called Pulling Curls® knows so much about pregnancy. Hi, I’m Hillary – the curly head here at curling – but you may know me better as The pregnancy nurse® (my other site). I have been a nurse since 1997 and have 20 years of working and delivery experience. I have literally seen thousands From people who have contractions (or wonder if they are) – so I’m a great resource for this!
Before we proceed if you are having Contractions, now is a good time to pack your hospital bag – grab my packing list here:
What are contractions?
Just like a muscle contraction (like you do when you lift something heavy) it’s just your uterus pushing together. They can both feel “tight” (some people feel nothing with smaller ones) to very painful.
What do contractions feel like?
Most people feel them as cramps at first, and then move on from there. I have a whole post about them here:
Looking for more contraction info – be sure to check out these posts from my sister:
Braxton Hicks?
These go by many names:
- Practical contractions
- Fake job
- Recommendations that go nowhere
It’s actually just your uterus compressing without actually causing the baby to move towards birth.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t painful, and it doesn’t mean they can’t turn into something.
I have a whole post on how you can tell them.
I also have a whole post on fake labor that talks more about what these contractions can do.
I will say that going to the hospital (and staying) when you are still in early labor is one of the worst ideas. I’m a huge fan of staying home as much as you can – so learning about the signs of labor and when to go in (and talking to your provider about them) is super smart!
This is how we talk to them about your birth plan!
How can I tell if it’s real work?
It’s so hard. I have some tips for you:
- It’s more that just Recommendations? There are usually some signs of labor (We’ll talk more about these in a second)
- Do they organize? Are they closer, farther, more painful? This could mean something – so watch out for it.
I love handy tips like this, I give so much more here that I really really do Help you feel confident, instead of confused!
I have a whole post that describes this more (it also has a handy chart):
One of my biggest pieces of advice (as long as you get past 37 weeks) is to ignore those first contractions as much as you can. Until you feel more than 6 in an hour, I really try to keep my business.
I also have a handy quiz to find out if what you’re feeling is work. I also have a kind of silly quiz that can “predict” when you go to work.
What if I’m still early?
If you are before 37 weeks, it is considered preterm labor. We really try to avoid this as it can be an issue for the baby. I have a whole post on preterm labor that will give you more information about this, but know that you should either go to the hospital or call your provider for some guidance.
A few contractions every now and then aren’t a big deal, but if you’re having more than a few an hour you should at least call your provider.
Pro Tip: Most providers have someone on hand 24/7 for them – So it might be handy to try calling them for some guidance if you have questions (but you can always go to labor and delivery too to make sure you and baby are safe).
Other signs of work?
In an effort to be extra confusing, there are a few other signs to watch out for in labor. I go over some of the weirder ones in this post:
One of the biggest is your water breaking. I have a whole post with everything you need to know about your amniotic sac breaking here.
Honestly, Labor isn’t the only thing that’s weird about pregnancy, labor, birth, and raising a baby—I recommend everyone take a class so they’re not caught off guard. I recommend this.
What does cervical screening have to do with contractions?
They don’t correlate exactly (although you think they should).
I explain cervical exams and what all the numbers mean in this post (it also has a very handy video):
How does the hospital monitor contractions?
This is a big question. The hospital normally uses something called a Tonodynometer (called Toco for short). But, just because the chart shows giant contractions, or small ones – doesn’t always mean anything. I go more into why in this post (pictured below is the circle at the top):
All the screens and things in the hospital can feel intimidating and scary. I don’t want that for you. I recommend it to feel a little more confident.
When do I go to the hospital?
This is definitely something you should talk to your provider about. While there are some “soft rules” that mostly apply to everyone, you need to know about you and your unique circumstances – I talk more about why in this post:
Of course, work isn’t the only reason you need to go to the hospital.
How do I start contractions?
We’ve talked a lot about what they are and how to know if you have them – but many of you may be wondering how to start them tonight?
I actually have a couple of posts on my sister’s site that might give you a little more info:
What should I do to prepare?
I have a whole post on things to do before you go to the hospital. But the good news is that You have time to prepare for birth.
Most people in the hospital they are not so lucky.
The three things I suggest you do now (if I boil it down way below):
- Learn to ask your provider questions On your date, so you can do it when things get more complicated (with bigger consequences)
- Make sure that this You and your partner are on the same page for the birth and growth of the baby. Many people find that everyone has their own plans and have no idea what the other person is thinking…
- Take a birth class So you know what to expect. Make sure you get one that not only gives some natural pain management techniques, but also goes over some of the unplanned events of labor (which are not uncommon).
This class will help you:
- Become a better communicator (you’ll learn to speak their “language” a little more.
- Get on the same page as your partner – turn them into a “teammate” and not just a cheerleader!
- Prepare yourself for all the labor, not just the pain, but inductions, C-sections and even just what to expect in the hospital.
That’s why I recommend it. It’s the best way to prepare for birth!
Fun fact, did you know that people who take a high quality birth class have:
- Smaller inductions
- Less caesarean section
- More happiness with their birth (it’s a better experience).
They are very wonderful!
So that’s the encyclopedia of my contractions. It is everything; Maybe not – but it’s pretty close. What am I missing? Tell me in the comments!
