Definition
Contractions occur in every woman before the birth of her child. They serve as preparation for the actual birth. These contractions are a normal (physiological) process, which is important for an unproblematic birth.
In contrast to the “real” contractions, which initiate the birth, down pains occur about 2-6 weeks before the birth. They ensure that the baby “slides” from the mother’s abdomen into the pelvis. If a woman has already given birth to several children, these contractions often occur later because the baby is already deeper in the pelvis.
Lower labour pains can typically be recognized by the fact that they occur several times a day towards the end of pregnancy. They manifest themselves by a slight pulling in the area of the lower abdomen. Lower labour pains are usually unpleasant, but not as painful as real labour pains.
A further important differentiation from real contractions is that down pains are only short (maximum one minute). In addition, there is an improvement as soon as the patient relaxes. Even though sink pains can be disturbing for the patient, they are nevertheless enormously important for the birth.
During the slump contractions, the muscles of the uterus (uterus) are constantly tensed (contracted) rhythmically. This rhythmic tension of the muscles is very important during birth so that the baby can quickly glide out through the birth canal. During the contractions, the cervix may open minimally. This also serves to prepare for the forthcoming birth.
At what point do the contractions start?
The point at which sink pains occur depends primarily on how many children a woman has already given birth. It is generally assumed that these contractions occur from the 36th week of pregnancy. They ensure that the baby slides from the mother’s abdomen into the pelvis.
Lower birth pelvises are therefore the optimal preparation for the birth and position the child so that an easy birth is possible. However, the point at which delayed labor begins varies greatly. Some women suffer from delayed labor 6 weeks before the birth.
These contractions start earlier, especially before the first birth. Often, these contractions occur later, when a woman has already been pregnant one or more times, because the child is already deeper in the pelvis. In general, the contractions can start 2-6 weeks before the birth.
However, it is difficult to predict or control the onset of these contractions. However, it is assumed that these contractions can be induced by stress or overload. Therefore, it is important that a woman avoids stress towards the end of pregnancy, otherwise the contractions may occur earlier.
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