Contractions, Labor

Labor contractions are the body’s way of saying, “Let’s get ready to have a baby!” When these contractions start, many new moms jump up and run off to the hospital only to be told to go back home for the night. Painful, stressful and time consuming, labor contractions are what everyone has been waiting for.

Causes of Labor Contractions
When the body is ready to push the baby out of the uterus and into the world, a series of changes occur in the brain and body. The brain releases signals that cause oxytocin and prostaglandins to enter the blood stream. These hormones cause labor contractions to begin. At first, many women relate the contractions to Braxton Hicks, gas, or common pregnancy pains, but soon the body starts rolling on a more regular pattern of pain and the scenario changes a bit.

It is important to note that labor contractions come in three forms: false, practice and active labor. Practice labor contractions is otherwise referred to as Braxton Hicks contractions and is common from week 20 until birth. False labor contractions can include a series of contractions that feel very much like active labor contractions but have no effect on cervical dilation and effacement. Active labor contractions occur during the birthing process wherein there is a cervical dilation of 4-8cm.

Important Facts about Labor Contractions
There are six signs that active labor has started and mom needs to monitor the progress of the contractions:

1. Movement makes the pains stronger or more frequent.
2. Labor pains increase in strength and frequency over time.
3. Pains are accompanied by feelings of nausea of intestinal discomfort.
4. Pain spreads to the lower back, upper abdominals and upper thighs.
5. The mucus plug (which blocks the opening of the cervix and serves to protect the baby from bacteria during pregnancy) passes or bloody spots appear.
6. The water breaks.

If any of these signs accompany the labor contractions, the baby is on the way and the attending obstetrician or caregiver needs to be notified.

Treatments for Labor Contractions
Some mothers feel the need to go through labor without pain medications and that choice is completely up to you as long as the baby is being born vaginally. In the case of natural childbirth, you may find relief by walking, shifting position, and breathing through the pain. Otherwise, pain medications can be discussed at the hospital to keep you feeling comfortable throughout active labor.