Time from contractions to birth in first-time mothers. How to understand that labor has begun in first-time mothers: symptoms and signs

For a woman, the period of pregnancy is not only joy, but also anxiety for the future of her baby. Some mothers are afraid of labor pains, because they are always associated with pain. It is important to find out in advance how they begin. Thanks to this, you will be able to arrive at the hospital on time. Quite often they are false or training. They pass as unexpectedly as they began. A woman should clearly understand the frequency with which contractions begin and how they affect the condition of the uterus.

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What are contractions

How to understand that labor is approaching? What are contractions like? This uterine contractions, which occur in no particular order. Thanks to this, the uterine os opens, along which the fetus will subsequently move. This phenomenon in medical practice has three periods:

hidden;
active;
slowing down.

If a woman is going through labor for the first time, then she should understand how to distinguish it from the real ones. The difficulty is that the symptoms are very similar.

The expectant mother should find out from specialists how to recognize the onset of training contractions. Their manifestation can still be seen at 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Thanks to this, the body tries to prepare for the upcoming process. The uterus becomes more elastic and soft. Their duration is no more than two minutes.

Moreover, the interval between successive symptoms is not the same. On average, its duration ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

How do training contractions go in a woman:

The intensity remains constant.
The interval between contractions is not the same.
The duration of the gap is difficult to predict in advance.
During a personal examination, a gynecologist may detect a lack of opening of the pharynx.

Description of contractions before childbirth radically different from the training version. They can be described as aching. During this period, a nagging pain occurs in the lower abdomen. Relief comes to a woman immediately after she takes a more comfortable position. They can also be easily treated in a warm bath or after rest.

Features of labor pains

Such a manifestation can be easily identified only by a woman who is going to the delivery room not for the first time. The expectant mother will be able to find out in advance that contractions have begun in a first-time mother by the following symptoms:

In this case, aching pain occurs not only in the lower abdomen. Its manifestation can be seen in the lower back and hips. Over time it becomes more intense. Additionally, one can note the manifestation of the wave-like nature of the symptom. It then subsides, then flares up with renewed vigor. Women compare them to menstrual pain, which increases with each manifestation. The frequency of contractions is becoming more frequent.
You can feel the tone in the uterus. This tension can be heard even if you put your hand on your stomach. The female organ becomes hard. Additionally, contraction and relaxation may be noticed. The fight is gradually fading away. Thanks to this, the uterus relaxes. The expectant mother notes an increase in pain and tone. During training contractions, the tone is practically not felt.
The duration of the fight is getting longer. However, at the same time the breaks between them are noticeably reduced. The gynecologist may note gradual dilatation of the cervix.

How long do contractions last in the latent period for first-time mothers? The duration ranges from 20 to 30 minutes. There is also a similar break between them. A simple stretching develops into full-blown pain. The length of the fight is forty seconds. The interval is reduced to six minutes. It is during this period that experts advise going to the maternity hospital.

Important! If a woman discovers that her water has broken, she should immediately call ambulance. Indeed, in this case, the risk of fetal hypoxia increases.

It is necessary not only to know how to feel contractions. If their duration is a minute and the interval does not exceed 120 seconds, then the woman uterine dilatation is observed.

In this case, you should expect an attempt soon. They will help the baby to be born. This process is carried out only under the supervision of a doctor.

That is why the woman in labor is sent to a special room.

We should not forget that if labor is not organized correctly, the risk of cervical rupture or injury to the fetus increases.

You can avoid unpleasant consequences only if you contact a specialist in your field. The obstetrician must have extensive experience in this field.

Key differences between contractions

You can find out how to start with the help of special literature. However, there are also training contractions. They are necessary for quality training and are characterized by regularity. Training contractions last about 40 seconds. Additionally, it should be noted that the interval cannot change upward.

When preparing for childbirth, it is recommended record the period of pain in the uterus. Their duration is important. The pain will noticeably increase each time. However, there are also cases with the opposite effect. Doctors recommend recording the duration in seconds. Thanks to this, the doctor will be able to correctly analyze the situation. As a rule, you can even ask your obstetrician what contractions are like over the phone. It is best to agree on this in advance.

To distinguish between false and real contractions, a woman must tell the doctor the duration and interval between them. This picture is observed in dynamics. Only after this can a final conclusion be made on this situation. You can also learn how to feel contractions from women who have given birth before. They claim that the sensations cannot be confused with the training version.

Additionally, it should be noted that with false contractions there is no active phase. The pain is at the same level. There is also no increase in duration and interval. However, minor upward fluctuations are allowed. The training contraction period lasts on average two to three hours.

Nuances of the contraction process

The preparatory period is well felt by those women who are going to the delivery room not for the first time.

They are also characterized by a significant reduction in the preparatory process. The uterus does not require additional time to begin active actions.

Mothers manage to give birth to subsequent children much faster. Childbirth takes place at a rapid pace. In total they last from four to six hours.

During the first birth, a woman is attentive to her well-being, so she notices all the details. The latent phase may also be left without due attention. In this case, the expectant mother turns to doctors only after the stomach turns to stone and the contractions subside within a short period of time. There is no need to panic. Doctors advise only going to the maternity hospital. The situation indicates transition of contractions to the second phase. Its duration is five hours.

Obstetricians with extensive experience are convinced that severe pain can be provoked directly by the woman herself. She makes the situation worse by panicking. In this case, the birth process cannot continue as required. Doctors advise you to relax and try to start breathing the right way. This technique can be learned by undergoing special prenatal training.

Some women have to wait a long time for contractions to occur. Their absence is considered normal until 42 weeks. In this case, the doctor should not register hypoxia. The placenta should be in good condition, and the expectant mother should feel good. At 40 weeks It is recommended to go to hospital. Thanks to this, doctors will be able to pay sufficient attention to the woman and her child.

Important! If labor has not started at 42 weeks of pregnancy, then special procedures must be carried out to stimulate it. If there is a threat to the life or health of a woman, then a decision is made on immediate surgical delivery.

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How can a primigravida understand that contractions have begun?

When and how do false labor contractions begin in primiparous women and how can one be distinguished from one another? The uterus begins to prepare for the birth of a child quite early, in some women as early as 20 weeks of pregnancy. But more often after the 30th week or even in the last 2-3 weeks before giving birth.

Just as contractions begin in first-time mothers, training contractions feel roughly the same way. They are also called Braxton Higgs contractions or simply “Braxtons.” This name belongs to the doctor who discovered this phenomenon and explained it. Training contractions begin to feel like a slight compression of the uterus, its petrification. But the longer the pregnancy, the more noticeable they become. Towards the end of the gestation period, a woman may already experience not very pleasant sensations in the lower abdomen, when false contractions begin in first-time mothers, sometimes the lower back is also involved. By the way, during these body workouts, the expectant mother can try different techniques breathing, which is usually recommended during childbirth. This will help her a lot in the process of giving birth to a child.

The sensations when contractions begin in first-time mothers, which lead to dilatation of the cervix, are somewhat different. You can try to detect the gaps between them and it will turn out that they are approximately the same. At the same time, pain appears, and it constantly becomes more and more unbearable.

And yet, how can a first-time mother understand that contractions have begun and not make a mistake? It's actually quite simple. They cannot be removed or stopped in any way. Whereas during preparatory contractions it is enough to take warm bath. It will completely relax your muscles and you can fall asleep.

In a primigravida, real contractions may begin with the release of the mucus plug. This means that the internal os of the uterus, where this mucus is located, opens slightly. Of course, it happens that this happens several weeks before childbirth, but more often during labor.

Contractions in firstborns feel somewhat reminiscent of pain during menstruation. This is understandable; the mechanism of its occurrence is somewhat similar. But soon the pain becomes overwhelming. And not just aching, as during menstruation, but cramping. There are always gaps between contractions, but they become shorter and shorter closer to the onset of the second stage of labor. In primigravidas, labor pains begin approximately 8-10 hours before the start of pushing. That is, they continue for a long time, which makes it possible to calmly get ready for the maternity hospital and not forget anything.

When real contractions begin and/or amniotic fluid breaks, you can call an ambulance. She will take you to the maternity hospital. Of course, you can wait a few hours at home, but this is usually not necessary. Most women feel more comfortable being under medical supervision. Well, comfort is not the main thing.

And for multiparous women, labor pains begin more intensely; they definitely need to hurry, since there is very little left before the birth. Often, contractions begin to be felt not from the first centimeter of dilation of the cervix, but much later. To avoid giving birth in an ambulance, it is better to go to the hospital as quickly as possible.

How to Relieve Pain When Real Contractions Start

Perhaps the most important point is the psychological attitude. No panic! You - adult woman able to endure pain. You are not the first, and you are not the last to give birth. Yes, it will hurt, yes, it will be scary, but the end justifies the means. Your baby is the main goal. It's worth the patience for her sake.

If a woman succumbs to stress and panic during labor, this condition is passed on to the baby, who already has a very difficult time. For nine months he lived in a cozy womb, and now the contracting uterus is trying with all its might to “push out” the baby. And also, while worrying, breathing becomes difficult, which leads to oxygen starvation of the fetus. Therefore, we are determined and positive!

Don't forget about breathing. During the contraction, try to ignore the growing pain. Close your eyes, direct all your thoughts to deep and even breathing. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. With this breathing, the cervix will open faster.

Resort to a little trick - tricking the brain. During pain, try to switch your consciousness. Make logical chains, analyze everything you see around you, or simply imagine something incredibly beautiful and pleasant.

When contractions become more intense, take a position that is comfortable for you. Experiment until you find the position that is most comfortable for you.

Don't forget about massage. Massage the ischial bones in a circular motion, using clenched palms to massage the tailbone area.

These simple tips will help you during this difficult labor period. And don’t forget that through pain and torment you find the greatest happiness in life.

Contractions in obstetrics are usually called contractions of the uterine myometrium that occur in an involuntary form. This phenomenon contributes to the opening of the uterus, which occurs at the initial stage of labor. However, even those women who know almost everything about contractions do not always know how to understand that they have begun.

At what time do contractions begin?

Contractions before childbirth are an important and crucial moment. Directly at this stage, the birth canal opens, through which the baby is then born.

It is worth distinguishing the two different types contractions:

Training – non-rhythmic, prolonged pain sensations that appear long before childbirth.
Generic – immediately preceding the birth of the baby.

Labor pains appear at the initial stage of labor. Normally, delivery occurs in the interval 37–. At this time, the fetus is already completely ready for independent existence: its respiratory system is fully mature and ready to supply the body with oxygen. Labor contractions begin several hours before the baby is born.

How do contractions begin?

Women describe the onset of contractions and the sensations in different ways. In most cases, expectant mothers notice a slight sensation of pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Many compare them with those observed during menstruation. However, unlike ordinary painful sensations, contractions always have a beginning and an end. Between them there is a period of calm, during which the woman can rest. In some cases, contractions begin with painful sensations in the lumbar region and hips. Women themselves claim that the sensations during the birth of their first and second children are different.

How contractions begin in first-time mothers - sensations

Afraid of missing the onset of labor due to lack of experience, women expecting their first child often ask specialists how contractions begin in first-time mothers. There are no general patterns; each woman describes her feelings differently.

When talking about how to find out that contractions have begun, doctors advise paying attention to the features of the process of dilation of the cervix:

Discomfort appears in the lower back and abdomen, which gradually turns into pain reminiscent of menstrual pain.
The pain intensifies and spreads to the entire surface of the abdomen and lower back.
Paroxysmal pain intensifies: its occurrence, intensification, peak and gradual extinction are clearly observed.

Gradually, the pain progresses, becoming stronger and longer with each new contraction. At first, contractions last only 40 seconds, after which there is a period of calm - 20 minutes. Then the contraction repeats, but the period of no contraction is already 15 minutes. This results in an increase in the contraction period and a decrease in the time between uterine contractions.

How contractions begin in multiparous women - sensations

Most women with children imagine how contractions begin in multiparous women during their first birth.

Multiparous women never confuse labor pains: they already know how to understand that they have begun:

The main difference is that the period of contractions often has a shorter duration.
The pain is also less pronounced, since the pelvic muscles are already trained.
On average, the period of contractions is reduced by half and is approximately 4–6 hours (from the moment of the first contraction until the baby is born).

How to determine the onset of contractions?

Not knowing what contractions are, or how to understand that they are starting, is something that first-time women have a hard time imagining. Doctors pay attention to the localization and nature of the painful sensations that accompany the process.

Among the main characteristics of true labor contractions, obstetricians call:

Gradually increasing the duration of the contraction.
Increase intensity and shorten interval.
Clear periodicity - occur at regular intervals.

The first signs of the onset of contractions

The first contractions do not occur suddenly. It all starts with the gradual appearance of pain in the lumbar region or lower abdomen. In parallel with the intensifying, cyclical painful sensations, the following signs of imminent labor are observed:

Rupture of membranes– this happens at the height of one of the fights. Clear amniotic fluid appears from the vagina. These are the front ones. Their volume is small - 150–300 ml. It is worth noting that the departure amniotic fluid perhaps during childbirth.
Removal of the mucus plug- also indicates the imminent onset of contractions. However, in this case, the period from release to the appearance of contractions can last for several days.

How to distinguish training contractions from real ones?

Obstetricians often draw the attention of women to Braxton Hicks contractions. They are also called training ones. They do not lead to the onset of labor and can appear long before this period. The main question that women ask after learning about training contractions is when they start and how they feel.

In order to understand the main differences, you need to pay attention to the following points:

Lack of frequency– false contractions can be repeated several times a day and even up to 6 times an hour.
Intensity– over time, the intensity of painful sensations during training contractions gradually decreases and completely disappears.
Changing body position leads to the disappearance of training contractions, but this is not observed during labor pains.
Rhythm– true contractions appear at regular intervals, unlike training contractions.

When my water breaks, how long will it take for contractions to start?

Speaking about what contractions are and how to understand that they have already begun, doctors mention the departure of amniotic fluid. However, it is possible that the outpouring of amniotic fluid occurs at the height of one of the contractions. The outpouring itself does not cause pain. The amount of water released in this case depends on the place of rupture of the membranes:

with complete rupture of the membranes - up to 200 ml;
with a small tear at the top point, the fetal fluid is released gradually, in drops.

Depending on at what stage of cervical dilatation the amniotic fluid is released, there are:

Premature effusion- release of amniotic fluid before labor begins. Contractions begin after 3-4 hours.
Early outpouring– cervical dilatation by 4 cm, the beginning of labor.
Timely outpouring– dilation is 6 cm.
Belated outpouring– the cervix is open, no water comes out. They carry out artificial

The onset of contractions - what to do?

Most primiparous women experience tension and anxiety as their due date approaches. To avoid this and respond in time to the onset of labor, every pregnant woman should know what to do if contractions begin. First, you need to remember the start time of this process and write down when the amniotic fluid was released. It is best to take a horizontal position and try to calm down. There is no need to go to the maternity hospital immediately after contractions start - you need to wait until they become more frequent and last longer.

A woman should:

Record the intervals between contractions.
Walk slowly between contractions.
Calmly wait for the contractions to intensify.

How long from the start of contractions to birth?

The time from the onset of contractions to delivery is called the period of cervical dilatation. Its duration directly depends on what type of birth it is^

In primiparous women opening occurs more slowly. On average, this stage takes 8–10 hours. The anhydrous period (time from the discharge of amniotic fluid) should not exceed 12 hours, so obstetricians carefully monitor this.
In multiparous women From the first contractions to the onset of labor, no more than 3-4 hours pass. This is due to the fact that the pelvic muscles have less elasticity, so the opening occurs faster.

The beginning of contractions - how to behave?

Even knowing what contractions are and how to understand that they have begun, many have difficulty imagining how to behave in this case. The onset of contractions is a signal for a woman that labor will soon begin. It is necessary to check all the things collected in advance for the maternity hospital, to prepare, without which the woman will not be admitted to the maternity ward. It is very important to count the frequency and duration of contractions.

Listen carefully to the medical staff.
Follow all medical instructions.
Breathe correctly (pregnant women are taught breathing techniques in advance).

When should you go to the maternity hospital during contractions?

This question is of interest in most cases to first-time mothers who want to give birth to a baby as soon as possible. First you need to time your contractions. The first stage of labor is long, so there is no point in going to the maternity hospital after the first contractions. It is necessary to pay attention to how often contractions occur and how long they last. Obstetricians recommend going to the maternity ward when the interval between contractions is 10 minutes.

The approach of childbirth is always associated with trepidation and anxiety about how the process will go. Contractions in first-time mothers begin with training contractions, which are necessary to prepare the body for delivery; the sensations differ from the duration of pregnancy. Certain signs will help you understand that labor contractions of the uterus have occurred, and not preparation.

Harbingers

False contractions begin in primiparous women at 20 weeks. Spasms cause the body to react as it does before childbirth. The uterus becomes more elastic and soft. Contractions last about two minutes with a break of up to one hour.

Symptoms of the onset of contractions during body training:

irregular;
have different periods of time;
do not grow or intensify;
the uterus does not open.

The contractions feel similar to normal ones, often similar to pain before menstruation. False contractions last a long time, contractions are quite strong, more intense and pronounced, but are distinguished by a pulling and aching character.

How long do the precursors of labor last for first-time mothers? The period is a week before the start of the process. Most often after 38 weeks of pregnancy. The symptoms are different, the sensitivity and time of onset differ. Sensations of false contractions in first-time mothers occur in the morning or evening. By placing your palm above your navel, you will feel your stomach tightening. The spasm can be relieved by changing position, taking a warm bath, and resting.

Training contractions in first-time mothers manifest themselves in different ways, especially in terms of severity. Involuntary muscle contractions are eliminated by reducing the number and duration. To do this, regulate physical activity. There should not be too much of it, but a woman should also take walks regularly. They monitor the emotional state and reduce negative aspects in the life of the expectant mother. Pay attention to water balance.

Symptoms of real contractions

While expecting her first child, a woman is afraid of missing the start of labor. Precursors of contractions in first-time mothers differ in frequency and intensity. Pregnancy after 36 weeks indicates that it is time to pack your things for the maternity hospital. It is better to do this in advance, since the first birth can also be rapid.

How to understand that contractions have begun in first-time mothers:

is decreasing physical activity fetus;
the stomach drops;
the weight of the expectant mother decreases by 2–3 kg;
heartburn disappears;
want to go to the toilet more often;
gait changes;
the navel protrudes;
woman doing household chores.

A week before giving birth, the plug comes off, sometimes in parts in the form of normal mucous discharge. This process lasts 5–7 days. If this happens right away, the uterus will quickly begin to open. The child's head drops into the pelvis, reducing pressure on the diaphragm and stomach. This will let you know that first-time mothers will soon begin labor.

It becomes easier for a woman to breathe. Exposure to estrogen weakens the tone of the abdominal wall muscles, and protrusion of the navel is noted. Mood often changes due to physiological processes. The amount of amniotic fluid decreases and body weight decreases.

Among the signs of impending labor in primiparous women, discomfort and nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back are noted. The uterus matures, the canal becomes smaller, the mucous glands are activated, and thick mucus is released.

The frequency of contractions before childbirth in first-time mothers is 20–30 minutes with a duration of 20–30 seconds. If the time increases to 1 minute, this is a sign that the uterus is opening and pushing will soon begin, the baby will be born. It is important to avoid staying at home during this time. It is necessary to call an ambulance at the initial appearance of painful contractions.

How do contractions go in firstborns?

stretching of the abdomen is replaced by pain;
duration increases from 20 seconds to 1 minute;
the number of contractions increases.

A properly organized period from the very beginning will help to avoid cervical ruptures and injury to the fetus. If contractions occur and your water breaks, call an ambulance immediately. The anhydrous period increases the risk of infection of the embryo.

Cervical dilatation phase

Childbirth lasts in three stages. The longest period occurs when the uterus opens, begins with the appearance of the first contractions and ends with full readiness for labor. A woman will have to go through several periods of contractions: latent, active and slowing down. The duration of the first is 8-10 hours, the second - up to two, the last - 30-40 minutes.

At what interval do contractions begin in first-time mothers? At the initial stage, contractions are no more than 40 seconds. In the latent phase they are regular and occur with a frequency of 1–2 per 10 minutes. They are characterized by a slight tingling pain in the lower abdomen. The phase lasts about 6 hours.

After the first contractions have ended, the cervix has dilated by 4 cm, and the active stage begins with vigorous labor. Contractions become painful, so during the first birth a woman is given drugs that relieve muscle spasms.

The intervals between contractions are equal to the frequency of up to 5 times in 10 minutes. When walking, the pain increases; sometimes the woman in labor is given painkillers and antispasmodics. The cervix opens by 7–8 cm. The fetal head begins to move towards the exit, it passes to pelvic floor.

During the deceleration phase, the cervix fully opens to 10 cm, and the fetus is born. There is a feeling that the labor process has ended, lasting 30–60 minutes. At this stage, the duration of contractions in first-time mothers is one to two minutes, and one contraction occurs.

The graph shows what contractions look like during different periods of labor. The latent phase lasts 7–8 hours. The contraction lasts 15–20 seconds and occurs once every 20 minutes. The cervix will open 3 cm. The active phase passes in 3–5 hours. The frequency of contractions is 2–4 minutes with a duration of 20 seconds and dilatation of the uterus up to 7 cm. The last phase will pass in one hour. The contraction lasts 60 seconds and occurs once every 2–3 minutes. The opening occurs at 10–12 cm.

During childbirth

Real labor pains are not difficult to recognize. There is pain in the lower abdomen, in the lower back. Over time, the spasms intensify, subside and resume again. The contractions are increasing. The uterus tenses and becomes toned. By placing your hand on your stomach, you can feel how it turns to stone and shrinks. Then the intensity decreases, the uterus relaxes.

When should a first-time mother go to the maternity hospital? If the contraction lasts 40 seconds, and the interval is 5 minutes. A break of 1-2 minutes indicates that pushing will begin soon. This time is controlled by an obstetrician. During the first birth, the process begins at 38 weeks. Due to various factors, this period may be 42 weeks.

During the birth of the fetus, contractions occur, the interval between which decreases as the cervix dilates. As soon as the spasms progress to a state where the contraction lasts a minute, the first stage is considered completed. The woman takes the position on the bed in which she will give birth. The amniotic sac ruptures. The obstetrician monitors the correctness of the process, breathing, as the woman in labor pushes. The head appears, the shoulders appear, and then the rest of the body. Peeling occurs, the afterbirth comes out with contractions that are not as strong as during the initial stage.

During childbirth, contractions will ensure the opening of the uterus and the advancement of the fetus. In the first period, muscle tension will help with this. In the second, the woman in labor makes efforts to ensure that the child moves effectively through the birth canal, and the expulsion process itself is completed successfully. Once the baby is born, the contractions do not end. They are felt in the third period, when the placenta is born.

The release of the placenta is accompanied by an examination for integrity and the absence of inflammatory processes. If there are no ruptures or bleeding, the placenta is intact, standard disinfection is carried out. Sometimes you will need to clean the placenta and stitch it up under local anesthesia. Ice is placed on the woman's stomach.

The body produces oxytocin, which is necessary for the contractile activity of the uterine muscles. This is important for quick recovery during the postpartum period. Within a few days after the birth of a newborn, a woman feels a spontaneous contraction, which intensifies during breastfeeding.

Ease real contractions in first-time mothers

Contractions are considered the longest and most painful process. It is almost impossible to influence the duration. Will help reduce pain correct breathing. Oxygen is needed expectant mother and the baby. For severe pain, painkillers are used. It is recommended to do a back massage to relieve additional tension from the spine.

The second stage is considered dangerous. A woman can prepare for it in advance through courses, listen to the obstetrician and follow the recommendations. This will make the birth calm and successful. Weak labor will be supported with intravenous medications. To avoid ruptures, follow the instructions of the obstetrician so that insufficiently stretched soft fabrics. Childbirth is a natural process, so moments that are considered abnormal will be successful.

The woman is preparing for a positive birth. Mom must understand that pain cannot be avoided, but it can be reduced. You need to be patient so that a healthy baby is born. Often a woman in labor gives in to panic, which affects the fetus, which is accustomed to being in the hospital for 9 months. comfortable conditions. Shortness of breath will lead to oxygen starvation. Be positive and take decisive action.

They try to abstract themselves from pain. You are allowed to close your eyes, think about pleasant things and breathe evenly. This will help the uterus open faster. Obstetricians talk about this type of abstraction as building a logical chain. This will help you switch to pleasant, positive memories. If contractions become intense, you need to choose a position that will be comfortable. Execute circular movements ischium, massage the tailbone area with your palms.

After the baby is born, the mother is left with him in the birthing unit. Then the condition of the uterus is assessed, pulse and pressure are measured, and transferred to the postpartum department. Under these conditions, the baby is placed at the breast to be fed on demand. With proper preparation for childbirth, the process will go quickly and end without ruptures or bleeding. At each stage of labor, a woman can independently control contractions and their course.

Contractions are the first stage of labor and the main fear of first-time mothers. These involuntary contractions of the uterus, performed at regular intervals, are aimed at opening the birth canal. For the first time, it is difficult to understand when labor began or whether the abdominal muscles were simply overstrained. How long does labor last for first-time mothers, and what signs can be used to determine that it’s time to go to the hospital?

Precursors of labor in late pregnancy in first-time mothers

Experiencing fear, pregnant women mistake any discomfort for the onset of labor. By listening to your body, it is easy to recognize the harbingers of the imminent birth of a child. You can recognize an impending birth by the following signs:

Abdominal prolapse. A few weeks before birth, the fetal head descends into the pelvis of the expectant mother. Thanks to the change in position, the load on the stomach and diaphragm is reduced, and it becomes easier for the woman to breathe. At the same time, pressure on the intestines and bladder increases, which provokes diarrhea and increases the urge to urinate. During this period, the child moves less often, because he saves strength for childbirth.
Pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. Moving the fetus increases the load on the spine, possibly even displacing the vertebrae and pinching the sciatic nerve. Before giving birth, a pregnant woman feels tingling and heaviness in the suprapubic area due to pressure on the pubic bone. To alleviate the condition of the expectant mother, last weeks pregnancy you need to wear a bandage.
Weight loss and decreased appetite. A decrease in body weight before childbirth is associated with increased removal of fluid from the body. During this period, the increased appetite that the woman has experienced over the past months disappears. It is possible to completely refuse food the day before giving birth.
Uterine tension. As labor approaches, the sensitivity of the organ increases. A few weeks before the baby is born, a feeling of squeezing and hardness in the lower abdomen occurs 1-2 times a day.
Change in psychological state. The expectant mother feels drowsiness, increased fatigue and even apathy. A woman often wants to retire to relax.
Training contractions. In this case, tension in the uterus is felt, which quickly gives way to relaxation without a certain periodicity. Training contractions occur due to a decrease in progesterone levels, which inhibits contractions. Contractions last for several hours, causing tension in the lower abdomen and lower back, which mistakenly suggests labor is beginning.

How do contractions begin in the first birth, how do they differ from training contractions?

Childbirth takes place in stages: contractions, pushing and the postpartum period. Women expecting their second baby can easily determine the onset of labor. In this case, the stimulation of the uterus does not stop and only intensifies. Training contractions during the first birth can be recognized by the fact that they disappear if you take a different position or walk (more details in the article:). Signs of true and training contractions are presented in the table:

Sign	True contractions	Training contractions
Pain	Painful	Painless. Women with low sensitivity may not even notice contractions.
Discharge	– a jelly-like clot of white or brown color (possibly streaked with blood), which prevents infections from entering the uterine cavity. Discharge of amniotic fluid.	Only the mucus plug can come off: most often in clots, less often - entirely.
Intensity	Contractions intensify, reaching a peak before pushing. Muscle contractions do not subside, but become slightly less painful when walking or taking a comfortable position.	Average. As a rule, contractions occur painlessly, but still cause discomfort. Each birth is different, so painful cramps are possible.
Periodicity	Characterized by regularity. On average, contractions last 5-10 seconds every 30 minutes, then the intervals become shorter (more details in the article:).	Contractions are irregular and stop over time. Contractions last about a minute at intervals of up to 5 hours.

What does a first-time mother feel during contractions, how long do they last?

Labor contractions go through 3 stages: initial, active and transitional. How do contractions begin in first-time mothers? They begin with a weak nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. Many people say that they look like periods. Further contractions intensify and become rhythmic; closer to childbirth, the intervals between them become shorter.

In first-time mothers, contractions last about 10 hours, but may not last up to 24 hours. To understand how long the first stage will last, you need to correctly count the contractions. If you count contractions, you will notice that the intervals between contractions decrease and their duration increases. When contractions last 60 seconds every 3 minutes, the pushing period has begun.

The pushing period and its duration

When the cervix is fully dilated, the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall contract to further push out the baby. Pushing occurs due to fetal pressure on the nerve endings of the pelvic floor and rectal muscles. In primiparous women, they last from 30 minutes to 2 hours. To avoid involuntary defecation, an enema is performed before childbirth, before the active phase of labor begins.

Expulsion of the fetus and birth of placenta in primiparous women

With the period of pushing, the most important stage of labor begins. You must strictly follow the doctor's instructions. At this stage, the obstetrician monitors the progress of the baby's head, slowing the expulsion process if necessary. The baby walks head down, gradually passing through the genital slit. If a woman pushes too hard, the doctor gives the command to ease the effort so as not to put pressure on the head.

After the head has erupted, the baby turns to face the hip. If necessary, the doctor helps him turn around. There is no need to rush so as not to dislocate the baby’s neck. Next come the shoulders, torso and pelvis. After this, mucus is removed from the newborn’s mouth and nose, and if amniotic fluid enters the respiratory tract, aspiration is performed. The baby is then placed on the mother's stomach and the umbilical cord is cut.

10 minutes after expulsion of the fetus, contractions resume and the afterbirth is released - a mucous clot from the fetal membrane, placenta and umbilical cord. In this case, uterine contractions are painless. The obstetrician checks the integrity of the placenta to exclude the presence of fetal tissue in the uterus and further infection. In case of incomplete release of the fetal membrane, manual cleaning is carried out.

Why don't contractions start, how to cause them?

From the 43rd week, pregnancy is considered post-term. From this time on, the placenta begins to age, which is why the fetus does not receive additional nutrients and experiences oxygen starvation. Reasons why contractions do not start:

Incorrect calculation of gestational age. None of the methods allows you to accurately determine the date of birth, so only in 4% of cases the time of birth of the child is determined correctly. One of the accurate methods is ultrasound, but after the 28th week this study provides unreliable information about the date of birth.
Hereditary predisposition to post-term pregnancy, the age of the expectant mother over 30 years old and a menstrual cycle lasting more than 28 days lead to contractions starting after 40 weeks.
The influence of pathologies identified during pregnancy. Endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal and liver diseases, and previous colds also lead to late contractions. Post-term pregnancy is caused by fetal pathologies - central nervous system defects, kidney diseases, chromosomal disorders.

If contractions go on for too long and do not cause the cervix to dilate, the following methods of inducing labor are used:

Vaginal administration of prostaglandins. For women, the drug is administered in the form of a gel or suppositories. If after 6 hours the cervix is dilated less than 3 cm, the medication is reused, but not more than 3 times a day. Drugs in this group cause more painful contractions. It is forbidden to use prostaglandins after rupture of amniotic fluid and in case of bleeding of unknown nature.
Intravenous administration of oxytocin. This method of stimulation is also indicated in case of decreased contractile activity of the uterus. The disadvantage of this method is the impossibility of calculating the required dose, which is why weak contractions may stop altogether, and the risk of developing birth injuries in the child due to hypoxia increases.
Opening of the amniotic sac. Amniotomy is carried out using a hook, which the doctor uses to hook and pierce the membrane. The procedure allows you to do without hormonal stimulation and does not lead to increased labor pain.
Home remedies. Oxytocin is secreted faster in the dark, so it is recommended to move the woman to a darkened room. Natural source prostaglandins are sperm. Stimulation of labor is facilitated by walking and taking a warm bath (until your water breaks).

Ways to relieve pain during contractions

It is impossible to completely get rid of painful sensations before the birth of the child. To make contractions less painful for first-time mothers, you can:

take a comfortable position - on all fours, leaning against a wall, sitting on a fitball, etc.;
move around the room;
massage your lower back (see video);
distract yourself from pain with a movie or music;
take a warm shower.

Regardless of the method used to relieve pain, the main thing the expectant mother needs to do is try to relax. Worries contribute to muscle tension and increased pain. To distract yourself from unpleasant sensations, you need to concentrate on breathing. It should be smooth and not too deep so as not to cause dizziness. You need to take breaks between inhalation and exhalation.