Is spotting and lower abdominal distension a uterine contraction?

Although women will experience uterine contractions during pregnancy, some new mothers do not fully understand the symptoms of uterine contractions. In their eyes, uterine contractions are even a sign that there is a problem with the baby's health, and the symptoms of uterine contractions are different for every pregnant woman. Some pregnant women find that their lower body is red and their lower abdomen is swollen. Is this symptom a uterine contraction?

First, let’s look at the signs of childbirth:

Water breaking

As uterine contractions gradually intensify, the pressure in the uterus increases, the cervix gradually opens, the fetus descends, causing the amniotic sac to rupture naturally, and the amniotic fluid flows out of the mother's vagina. Once the water breaks, delivery of the baby will begin soon.

True contractions

The contractions are irregular at first, then increase in strength, last longer, and shorten in intervals, and then slowly become regular. Waves of abdominal pain come over the expectant mother, and the pain increases, indicating that delivery is imminent.

Seeing red

It often occurs within 24-48 hours before delivery. Some sticky liquid mixed with blood will flow out of the expectant mother's lower body. This is a major signal that delivery is imminent. However, if you find bright red blood flowing out of your vagina, or the amount of bleeding exceeds the normal menstrual period, it is not a normal sign of labor. It may be caused by an accident such as placenta previa or placental abruption, and you need to seek medical attention immediately.

Lower abdominal distension

As the fetal head moves downward, the pressure on the bladder, rectum and other tissues below the uterus increases further. The expectant mother may often have a noticeable feeling of heaviness, frequent urination, back pain and other discomforts.

Reduced upper abdominal pressure

First-time mothers may experience this change 1-2 weeks before delivery. At this time, as the fetal head descends into the pelvis, the pressure in the abdominal cavity gradually decreases, the upper abdomen is liberated, the expectant mother's breathing becomes lighter, and her appetite increases.

Regular cramps or back pain

This is caused by alternating contraction and relaxation of the uterus. These contractions intensify as labor approaches. Pain is inevitable due to the enlargement of the cervix and the delivery of the fetus from the reproductive tract. This phenomenon only occurs at the beginning of labor.

Next, let’s learn about what you need to pay attention to during childbirth.

When to go to the hospital

You should go to the hospital immediately after you start bleeding, or go through the hospitalization procedures when your due date is approaching. Otherwise, you will have to go to the emergency room when you get to the hospital and then have to wait for a long time.

There aren't too many obstetricians and gynecologists.

When you are in unbearable pain, the doctor will come over and ask you, and teach you some techniques so that you don’t scream too loudly or forcefully, otherwise the baby in your belly will be deprived of oxygen, and it will also consume your physical strength, which is not good for the subsequent delivery.

You can choose to give birth in water

This is indeed a very good way to give birth. Water birth can greatly reduce the pain of pregnant women and can effectively reduce the suffocation mortality rate of infants. Pregnant women can turn over freely in water to reduce pain.