Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Starting Contractions
• Method 2 of 3: Recording Contraction Times
• Method 3 of 3: Signs of Impending Labor

Towards the end of pregnancy, women experience contractions. Contractions are painful contractions of the uterus, which are periodically repeated and are accompanied by pulling pains in the lower abdomen and lower back. Contractions are the beginning of labor. By considering the time intervals between contractions, you can determine how soon the labor will begin. Below is some useful information on this subject.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Starting Contractions

1. 1 You feel the contraction of the uterus. Many women describe contractions as pain that is localized in the lower back and the pain gradually moves towards the abdominal cavity. These sensations can be compared to pain during menstruation or constipation. Remember that contractions start slowly, build up, reach their peak, and gradually subside.
   • During contractions, the abdomen becomes hard.
   • In some women, the pain is localized in the lower back, in the lower back. For every woman, contractions start and proceed differently.
   • Initially, contractions last 60 to 90 seconds and the intervals between them are 15 to 20 minutes. As labor approaches, the contractions become stronger and longer. The intervals between them are also reduced.
2. 2 Time yourself when you feel several contractions in a row. Weak contractions of the uterus occur throughout pregnancy, so your body prepares for future labor. However, if the contractions become more intense and regular, this indicates the beginning of the labor process.

Method 2 of 3: Recording Contraction Times

1. 1 Decide which device you will use to keep track of time during contractions. You can use a stopwatch, a watch with a seconds hand, or a new tool designed specifically for pregnant women - the "contraction counter". Keep a pencil and paper close at hand, clearly record the time of contractions: what time each contraction starts and how long it lasts.
   • Use an accurate timer, do not use a digital clock without a stopwatch. Since contractions often last less than a minute, it is important to know their duration down to a fraction of a second.
   • Create a table to capture the data. Title the first column "Scrum", the next "Scrum start" and the third "Scrum end." Also add a fourth column called Duration to calculate how long each contraction will take, and a fifth column called Time Between Contractions to calculate the time between contractions.
2. 2 Record the time at the beginning of the contraction. Do not write down the time if you notice the hours in the middle or at the end of the bout. Wait for the next contraction to start.
3. 3 Record the start time of the contraction. When you feel the contraction is starting, start the timer or look at the clock and record the time in the "Contraction Start" column. The more accurately you record the time, the better. For example, instead of writing "22.00", write "22:03:30". If the bout did start at exactly 10 pm, write down "22:00:00".
4. 4 Record the time the bout ended. When the pain subsides and the contraction is over, write down the exact time the contraction ends. Be specific with your notes.
   • When the first cut is over, you can fill in the Duration column. For example, if the scrum started at 10:03:30 and ended at 10:04:20, the scrum duration was 50 seconds.
   • Write down additional information about the contraction, such as where the pain started, how you felt, and similar information. This information will be useful in subsequent contractions, thanks to it, you will notice certain patterns.
5. 5 Write down the time when the next contraction starts. Subtract the start time of the previous bout from the start time of the new bout. Thanks to this, you will know the time interval between contractions. For example, if the previous bout started at 10:03:30 and the next one at 10:13:30, then the interval between contractions is 10 minutes.

Method 3 of 3: Signs of Impending Labor

1. 1 Watch for signs of labor pains. In some cases, a woman experiences false contractions or Braxton-Higgs contractions. False contractions before childbirth are contractions of the uterus, which in no way contribute to the preparation of the cervix for opening. Knowing the difference between labor pains and false contractions will help you determine what to do next.
   • With true contractions, the duration of contractions of the muscles of the uterus increases, and the intervals between contractions decrease, with false contractions, the intervals between contractions are different and tend to increase.
   • False contractions may well disappear when changing position or when walking. True fights will take place regardless of your position.
   • Labor pains are much more painful, while false labor is usually less painful.
2. 2 There are also other signs that labor is starting or approaching. In addition to regular contractions, there are other physical signs that can tell you that labor is coming. Watch for the following signs:
   • Water discharge.
   • Abdominal prolapse. The child begins to move closer to the "exit", taking the place in the pelvis with the presenting part.
   • Discharge of the mucous plug.
   • Dilation of the cervix.
3. 3 Time to prepare for childbirth. When the contractions start, it's time to go to the hospital or contact the obstetrician. If the contractions are dynamic and intense, the interval between contractions is 3-4 minutes. and the contraction lasts from 45 to 60 seconds, which means that soon you will give life to your baby.