Contractions before birth

If the muscles of the uterus tense up, this is called contraction. Contractions are often only associated with the birth process. There are, however, some subgroups (low labor pains, preabortion, postpartum contractions, etc.)

that can occur in the last trimester of pregnancy or even earlier. These subgroups differ in strength, frequency and duration. Contractions during pregnancy appear very threatening, especially for first-time mothers. However, the occurrence of contractions does not necessarily indicate an illness or complications. On the contrary: three to four weeks before the birth it is normal and even beneficial to have sink

What is the course of the contractions before birth?

During pregnancy, labor pains can occur in the last third of pregnancy (sometimes even earlier). These contractions are usually of low intensity, but can reach a relatively high frequency. A few weeks before the calculated date of birth, sink pains occur.

Compared to the pregnancy contractions, they already have a higher intensity, but have an irregular effect. Four to five days before birth, the strength of the contractions increases. The time between the contractions, however, decreases more and more.

These contractions are called preabortion. Shortly before birth or the opening period, they can appear at intervals of four to ten minutes. Just like the sink contractions, they are irregular.

Lower and preliminary contractions bring the unborn child into a better position with regard to the forthcoming birth. The birth pangs can be divided into two subgroups: Opening contractions: They cause an opening of the cervix. The cervix opens at an average rate of 1 cm per hour and a complete opening is about 10 cm.

The birth process requires a complete opening. The contractions are significantly stronger, more regular and more synchronized compared to the pregnancy contractions. Initially, contractions occur every 10 minutes.

Just before the expulsion phase (birth of the child) these contractions appear every 2 to 3 minutes. Expulsion pains: They cause the expulsion/birth of the child and have a very high strength. These contractions are also very regular and coordinated.

The frequency or frequency also increases. Contractions occur every 5-10 minutes. In the last phase of the expulsion, the contractions are even more frequent (every 2-4 minutes) and the strength increases up to the point of pressing contractions.

Postpartum contractions within about half an hour after the birth of the child are rather weak and more irregular. Nevertheless, these contractions are particularly important because they lead to expulsion of the placenta, reduction of the uterus and hemostasis. Even a few days after birth, weak contractions can still occur, which are responsible for the further reduction of the uterus.

In addition, there can be a “storm of contractions” up to the permanent contraction of the uterus at various stages of birth. These are very strong and painful and can indicate complications. A doctor should definitely be consulted.

  • Opening contractions: They cause an opening of the cervix. The cervix opens at an average rate of 1cm per hour and a complete opening is about 10cm. The birth process requires a complete opening.

    The contractions are significantly stronger, more regular and more synchronized compared to the pregnancy contractions. Initially, contractions occur every 10 minutes. Just before the expulsion phase (birth of the child) these contractions appear every 2 to 3 minutes.

  • Expulsion pains: They cause the expulsion/birth of the child and have a very high strength.

    Moreover, these contractions are very regular and coordinated. Also the frequency or frequency increases. A contraction occurs every 5-10 minutes. In the last phase of the expulsion, the contractions are even more frequent (every 2-4 minutes) and the strength increases up to the point of pressing contractions.