What are premature contractions?

Premature contractions are defined as the onset of birth-inducing contractions before the completed 37th week of pregnancy. The most important difference to other forms of labor that occur naturally during pregnancy, for example, active or prostrate labor, is that preterm labor, due to its intensity, is able to induce birth. In addition, preterm labor is a cervical form of labor, which means that the contractions of the uterus cause the cervix to shorten and the cervix to dilate, which is necessary for the birth.

If premature contractions cannot be stopped, premature birth is imminent. The risk of premature labour is increased, for example, in smokers, pregnant women under 18 and over 35 years of age, women in multiple pregnancy, uterine abnormalities and polyhydramnios, i.e. an excessive amount of amniotic fluid.A premature rupture of the bladder is also a risk factor. Bacterial infections of the female genital tract are another frequent reason for premature labor. Between the 24th and the 34th week of pregnancy, tocolytic, i.e. contraction-inhibiting agents can be used to try to stop premature labor. After the 34th week of pregnancy, tocolytics are only used in emergency situations, usually as a short time bridge.

How long do contractions last?

The duration of contractions depends on the type of contractions and on the underlying main task of the subform. In addition, the duration of labor is very individual and different for each woman. Pregnancy contractions, for example, which include the Alvarez waves and Braxton-Hicks contractions, are only of short duration.

They are used to stimulate blood circulation in the uterus and as exercise contractions and usually last 30 to 60 seconds. Lower contractions, which serve to ensure correct positioning in the mother’s pelvis, also last between half a minute and a full minute. Opening contractions, which are already part of the actual birth process and widen the cervix, last about 30 seconds and occur about every 10 minutes at the beginning of the opening phase.

However, they can become longer with increasing width of the cervix with a duration of about one minute and occur more frequently with a frequency of two to three minutes. The opening phase is very individual and can last many hours. If the pregnant woman has already delivered a baby, the full opening of the cervix is often reached faster.

Expulsion pains, also known as squeezing pains, serve to give birth to the child. They usually last about 60 to 90 seconds and occur every five to ten minutes, and more frequently every three to five minutes towards the end of the expulsion phase. This phase of birth usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The afterbirth, i.e. the expulsion of the placenta, is also accompanied by contractions of short duration and usually lasts about half an hour.