Can someone please explain to me what a contraction is and how I will be able to recognize it?????
2007-01-30 07:46:07 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
feels like period cramps only it gets stronger and more painful
2007-01-30 07:52:19 · answer #1 · answered by blank 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are a couple kinds of contractions involved in pregnancy.
braxton-hicks or false labor is the first type you will probably feel. according to one of the pregnancy books i have "they usually occur more often in the afternoon of evening, after physical activity or when you are tired" braxton-hicks pains are often irregular and do not get consistantly closer together. they may stop when you rest, walk or change position.they are often weak and do not grow stronger and are usually felt in the abdomen.
in true labor on the other hand contractions last about 30-70 seconds, they tend to occur at regular intervals, and do not go away when you move around. as time goes on they get closer together, are usually felt in the back coming around to the front and increase in stregnth steadily.
as far as PTL goes, another book i have says that the risks and symptoms are as follows:
risks: previous pre-term birth, pregnancy with multiples, several previous miscarriages or abortions, infection of the amniotic fluid or the fetal membranes, excess amniotic fluid, abnormalities of the mother's uterus, problems with the placenta, or serious disease or illness of the mother.
symptoms: it is usually, but not always signaled by contractions. if you notice more than 5 contractions during an hour, it is time to call the doctor. contractions can be accompanied by back pain and a feeling of heavines in the lower pelvis..changes in vaginal discharge are often common. rupture of the membranes can occur along with the passing of the mucus plug.
Hope this helps.
2007-01-30 15:54:39 · answer #2 · answered by blondie21_97504 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you know when you have an orgasm and your stomach tightens? thats a contraction. your stomach will be doing that and you will be in alot of pain. its like the pain comes in waves with each one it starts off and gets really bad and then its gone and then a few min later it comes back. good luck.
2007-01-30 15:51:32 · answer #3 · answered by littleluvkitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is your uterus bunching up and pushing the baby down, little by litte. It feels like the top of your stomach gets harder and harder and starts to hurt for about a minute or so. You'll know it when you feel it. good luck.
2007-01-30 15:50:43 · answer #4 · answered by ojibwechik 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It feels like a tightening in your stomach
2007-01-30 15:49:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋