I don't have children yet and I've heard scary stories about having them. My sister told me that you can't talk when you're having a contraction. Is this true?
2007-02-02 04:49:10 · 12 answers · asked by phillylady4u 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Labor contractions are the periodic tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscle, the largest muscle in a woman's body. During labor the uterus doesn't squeeze baby out; what really happens is the uterine contractions work to pull the cervical muscle up out of the way so that the baby's head can then be pushed through. (Think of a turtleneck sweater being slowly stretched as you pull it over your head. ) The muscles and ligaments in the pelvis are richly supplied with pressure and pain receptors in the nerves, so the stretching produces powerful sensations that may be interpreted as pain, especially if there is tension in the surrounding muscles.
I talked when having contractions.. Its how a person tolerates pain. Also, some just don't want to be bothered they want to focus, the process is painful.
2007-02-02 05:02:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a mother of 2, in my first pregnancy/birth when I had contractions I was able to speak. I eventually had to have a C-section so my second birth I didn't feel a thing. I'm not sure what your sister is speaking about. You can talk but some women choose to scream or yell because contractions are not fun. It's your uterus, the muscles are contracting in order to get the baby down into the birth canal and out into the world.
2007-02-02 12:55:01 · answer #2 · answered by savannah05222000 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on everyone. The nurse had told me not to go back to the hospital until i couldnt talk through the contraction. With my first I talked all the way through labor. That doesnt mean it didnt hurt but Im not the quiet type to let it affect me. The purpose of contractions is basically to push the baby out. The usually come at regular intervals and stay for about a min. The shorter they get usually the more painful. It feels like a hard tightening in your stomach. Dont let your sister scare you everyone is different at how they handle pain and how pain is dealt to them.
2007-02-02 12:54:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In medicine (obstetrics), a contraction is a forceful and painful motion of the uterus as part of the process of childbirth. Contractions, and labor in general, is one condition that releases the hormone oxytocine into the body. Labor and lactation are the only conditions that require the use of oxytocine.
Prior to actual labor, women may experience Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes known as "false labor."
The uterus also contracts during menstruation. These contractions may be uncomfortable or even painful, but they are generally significantly less painful than contractions during labor.
The pain of contraction is different for everyone. When I was in labor and had contractions, I could not speak, the pain was unbearable. On the other hand, my sister-in-law has 4 kids and everytime she had contractions, you would not know it, she barely flinched. It is a different experience for every woman.
2007-02-02 13:31:04 · answer #4 · answered by earthstarlatin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a contraction is the uterus "contracting" or tighten to open the cervix and push the baby down into the canal.... the purpose? to get the baby and placenta out of the mom...
it can be scary.... some of the contractions you notice, but when they start working faster as the cervix nears the ten centimeters? she is right, you can not talk thru most.. by then? you are either in your birthing room, center or hospital with lots of experienced pros right there to help you.... and you will have started your breathing or been given pain relief....
here is one of the things I was told... you feel your "cramps" when you get your period... sometimes they are so bad.. sometimes you do not notice them.... they are your uterus contracting... same as when you are having a baby.. that is what it does... during our period it gets rid of the lining that is not being used... and during the labor it is helping the baby to get out... the difference is the size... monthly our uterus is the size of our fist.. labor? it is the largest, strongest organ in the entire body.... does it hurt? yes.... I would be lying if I said it did not... but? until recently women not only did this without meds but at home... and? look at how many people walk the world over?! if a man went thru it, it would kill him they are not built to endure pain like this over long periods of time.. women are built to be able to not just endure labor? but to work thru most of it! and be back up to care for family almost right away after...
hope this helps.. and does not scare you more... it really is worth it..... :)
oh.. the answer below mine is right.. and I knew that.. duh.. pull cervix up over.. we do the pushing.. sorry....
2007-02-02 13:00:33 · answer #5 · answered by elusive_001 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contractions are your abdominal muscles tightening and releasing. When you have cramps during your period, it's basically the same thing.
The contractions are to stimulate the muscles to get the baby moving down the birth canal. Usually when you first start to feel them, they don't hurt at all, but the closer to baby time, the more it hurts. In both of my babies, by the time they got that bad, I was already in a hospital bed with the epidural going so I didn't feel them that much.
Don't worry so much about it, especially if you plan to use drugs for pain during birth.
2007-02-02 12:54:48 · answer #6 · answered by Nasubi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Basically, the uterus which is a muscle contracts to help push the baby out. The uterus will continue to do this until the baby is delivered. The mother usually has a strong urge to push when the baby enters the birth canal, like a bowel movement. Your body works along with you to deliver the baby down through the birth canal and out through the vagina. It does seem impossible, but our bodies are made for child birth. Everything stretches to accommodate the baby, then goes back to normal. It is actually pretty amazing. I was surprised after the birth of my first child when my body felt almost back to normal after a few days. Yes it hurts, and you will be sore, but women have been doing it forever.
2007-02-02 13:07:52 · answer #7 · answered by uuummk 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's when your muscles tighten aka contract to help get your body ready for delivery & push the baby out. You can talk during a contraction up until it is time to push - then holding your breath and pushing is the best way.
2007-02-02 12:53:39 · answer #8 · answered by carpediemamt 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A contraction is your uterus kinda squeezing. It "squeezes" to help push the baby out.
Usually when your contractions get about 5 minutes appart, yes, its difficult to talk, because they are stronger because you are further in labor.
2007-02-02 12:52:48 · answer #9 · answered by kittynala 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It is your uterus contracting....tightening up. It is to move the baby along the passage way. Sending your brain signals that labor is coming!
2007-02-02 12:54:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋