Can oxygen relieve contractions?

The phenomenon of uterine contraction is a physiological phenomenon caused by the fetus gradually growing in the female uterus and touching the inside of the uterus. Therefore, for every pregnant woman, the body will inevitably experience uterine contractions. However, if uterine contractions are too frequent or severe, it will cause severe pain in the pregnant woman's body, which is called labor pains. So pregnant women at this time will also take measures that can effectively relieve uterine contractions. So can oxygen inhalation relieve uterine contractions?

Can oxygen relieve contractions?

When uterine contractions occur, oxygen inhalation can increase the oxygen content in the blood and prevent adverse consequences caused by fetal hypoxia. If the uterine contractions are not serious, no treatment is needed, just observe carefully; appropriate oxygen inhalation will have little effect on the baby.

Uterine contraction is the physiological contraction of the uterus, which mainly includes false uterine contraction and true uterine contraction.

True uterine contractions are one of the main signs of labor. These contractions are irregular and weak at first, but over time they become regular, increasing in intensity, lasting longer, and with shorter intervals between them. If the interval is 2-3 minutes, it lasts for 50-60 seconds.

False labor, also known as prolonged labor, is an occasional uterine contraction. There are three main characteristics: irregular time, no periodicity, and varying degrees of intensity. False labor usually begins around 6 weeks of pregnancy, but many mothers will not feel it until the second trimester. In the last few months and especially in the last few weeks of pregnancy, there will be noticeable irregular uterine contractions.

The feeling of a contraction varies depending on the type. They are manifested in the duration, frequency, and location of pain of uterine contractions.

When the real uterine contractions begin, the pain usually occurs in the expectant mother's abdomen, and some people may experience it in the waist. The degree of pain varies from person to person. When mild pain occurs, the feeling is the same as the lower abdominal pain during menstruation; as time goes by, the pain will gradually intensify, the intervals will shorten, and the pain duration will prolong.

After a period of time, the contractions will become more intense, with pain spreading to the lower abdomen, or there may be a pain in the waist and a feeling of defecation. These contractions are in preparation for the birth of the baby. At this time, expectant mothers should not be overly nervous. It is best to distract their attention, relax, and cooperate with the doctor's guidance. You can also use birth control exercises, Lamaze breathing method, etc. to coordinate uterine contractions for a smoother delivery.

What is the difference between uterine contractions and fetal movements?

1. The range of abdominal distension is different

Fetal movement is the feeling that the fetus moves in the amniotic fluid in the uterus and collides with the uterine wall, which the mother feels. At this time, there may be a local feeling of swelling or tightness in the abdomen, but it is only local. If your entire abdomen feels bloated and it comes and goes, it could be uterine contractions.

2. Different frequency of occurrence

Fetal movement occurs suddenly and expectant mothers generally do not feel any discomfort. Uterine contraction is a slow process, the uterus will gradually harden, accompanied by abdominal distension or abdominal pain.

3. Different parts of the body

Fetal movement is intermittent, and the location where the fetal movement is felt is consistent with the location where the fetus moves in the uterus, and it changes frequently. Therefore, the sensation of fetal movement can be felt in any part of the uterus and at different times. If the entire uterus becomes hard, and the expectant mother feels her abdomen bloating and falling, and sometimes even has the urge to urinate or defecate, then it is uterine contraction.

4. Different ways to relieve discomfort

When the fetal movement is strong, if the expectant mother finds a comfortable and quiet place to sit down, play some light music, hum some songs, or talk to the fetus, read books, or gently stroke the abdomen, this will help the fetus relax and the discomfort of fetal movement will be relieved.

However, if the contractions occur during actual labor, they will not stop no matter what you do, but will gradually intensify.