If you've never given birth before, you might be surprised to learn that contractions during pregnancy don't always mean you're in labor. They're quite common throughout the final few weeks of pregnancy.
How do you know if your contractions during pregnancy are the real deal and when to head to the hospital? We asked Jessica Veeh, MD, at AdventHealth Medical Group OB/GYN at Littleton, formerly CHPG Women's Health, to weigh in.
When to Expect Contractions During Pregnancy
Most women start having contractions after the 37th week of pregnancy, but you may experience a few preterm contractions before then. Your first contractions during pregnancy will start randomly, and you'll likely have three to four a day.
When contractions become consistent and occur in regular intervals, that’s the signal that labor is beginning. If you’re a first-time mom, call your prenatal provider when you’ve had contractions for two hours that come every five minutes and last a minute each. This marks the transition to active labor. (Women who have given birth previously may be advised to call sooner. Talk to your prenatal provider.)
“To measure the length of your contractions, time from the start of the contraction until it ends,” says Dr. Veeh. “And measuring the time between contractions is done by timing from the beginning of the contraction to the start of the next contraction.”
False Contractions During Pregnancy
False contractions are very common and can start any time after 24 weeks. These are called Braxton-Hicks contractions and are often caused by dehydration. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout pregnancy to prevent false contractions and keep you and your baby healthy.
Infections can also cause false contractions during pregnancy. Attending all of your prenatal appointments is important so that we can detect infections before they cause a problem.
Stages of Contractions During Pregnancy
Early contractions generally feel like a squeezing that starts at the top of your stomach and radiates to your back and down to your legs. During these early contractions, your stomach should be as soft as the tip of your nose.
During later contractions, your stomach should feel more like your chin, and in the last stage, it should feel as hard as your forehead. Late-stage contractions should feel like they start at the bottom of your stomach or the whole stomach and radiate around your body.
When to Call Your Doctor About Contractions During Pregnancy
Preterm contractions during pregnancy can be a sign of complications and should be taken seriously. Call your Littleton obstetrician or midwife if:
- Contractions begin earlier than 37 weeks (and aren’t Braxton-Hicks contractions)
- You have contractions with bleeding
- Your water breaks before 37 weeks
- Contractions last longer than a minute each
- Your stomach is hard, and you don’t feel fetal movement
Consider Your Pregnancy Risk Factors
Being aware of your risk factors is important in a healthy pregnancy. Black women are more than twice as likely as white women to experience preterm birth. If you're a woman of color, you must eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and alert your prenatal provider to any changes in your pregnancy, including contractions. If your obstetrician brushes off your concerns, seek a second opinion.
At AdventHealth Medical Group OB/GYN at Littleton, we believe in your and your baby's health and well-being from conception to birth and beyond. We’re committed to providing you with the best care available.
To schedule an appointment with one of our Littleton providers, call our clinic at 720-922-6240.
