Do you know the symptoms of uterine contractions?

Uterine contractions usually occur during pregnancy, and this is a normal reaction during pregnancy. Without understanding the situation, female friends may worry because of chest tightness. In fact, women should fully understand the symptoms of uterine contractions, who is prone to frequent uterine contractions, when uterine contractions will be frequent, and what are the danger indicators, and then make scientific judgments, do a good job of prevention, and protect their own health.

Felt contractions usually occur in the middle and late stages of pregnancy; contractions become more frequent, usually after 7 or 8 months of pregnancy. "If the frequency of contractions during pregnancy is irregular and occurs only once in a long time, and can be improved through rest, then pregnant mothers do not need to worry too much! The most important thing is to comply with regular prenatal check-ups.

1. Two or three things you should know about uterine contractions

If this is your first pregnancy and it is in the early stages of pregnancy, you may not know what frequent uterine contractions are? The following text can be used as a reference for pregnant mothers: Normally, the uterus feels soft. When the contractions are severe and frequent, the uterus will become hard, and the abdomen will feel tight and even painful.

When pregnant women move around a lot, lack sleep, or engage in work that causes stress and fatigue, their stomachs are prone to become tight and swollen. This is uncomfortable uterine contraction.

The closer to the end of pregnancy, the higher the frequency will be. This kind of contraction is like a prenatal uterine exercise. The frequency is irregular, non-cyclical, and painless. The pregnant woman herself will not feel uncomfortable, and usually this kind of contraction will disappear automatically.

Although frequent uterine contractions do not necessarily mean that the pregnant woman is in danger, pregnant mothers must not take it lightly! Dr. Kang Lin pointed out: "The number of weeks of pregnancy and the type of uterine contractions are the two most important bases for determining whether the pregnant mother and the fetus are in danger.

2. Intrinsic factors (high-risk group for premature birth)

Some pregnant women are at high risk of premature birth. Frequent uterine contractions indicate that the uterus is unstable and there may be a risk of premature birth. There are many reasons for premature birth. The following are some common reasons and risk factors:

1. Inflammation and infection in the uterus (the most common cause).

2. Placental abnormalities: such as placenta previa and placental abruption.

3. Uterine abnormalities: such as polycornuate uterus and uterine fibroids.

4. An enlarged uterus: for example, pregnancy with multiple fetuses or excessive amniotic fluid.

5. Incompetent cervix (painless cervical dilation).

6. Pregnant women smoke and drink.

7. The pregnant woman has a disease: such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, thyroid problems, and autoimmune diseases.

8. The pregnant woman has a history of premature birth.

9. Pregnant women engage in excessive or strenuous physical activities.

10. Pregnant women suffer serious trauma or undergo major surgery.

11. The pregnant woman is too young (less than 17 years old) or too old (greater than 35 years old).

12. The fetus itself has congenital abnormalities.

13. Unexplained premature uterine contractions.

3. External factors (preventable uterine contractions)

Some external forces can also cause stronger contractions of the pregnant woman's uterus, such as:

1. Lifting/carrying heavy objects

Because when lifting heavy objects, pregnant women's waist and lower abdomen need to exert force, which will cause abdominal compression and stimulate uterine contraction.

The best situation is of course to ask someone else to do it for you, but if you have to do it (such as holding a child), it is best to squat down first, pick up the item or hold the child tightly, and then stand up.

2. Tension and fatigue

In clinical practice, we sometimes encounter pregnant mothers who are in a busy and stressful working environment and are hospitalized for regular uterine contractions. After hospitalization, the work pressure is relieved and the uterine contractions are naturally reduced a lot.

Take a deep breath. If you are working, it is best to leave the scene temporarily, find a well-ventilated place to rest, or talk to the fetus in your belly to ease the tension.

3. Will sexual intercourse cause premature birth?

You can still maintain a normal sexual life during pregnancy, but intense sexual intercourse may cause uterine contractions. However, such contractions generally do not cause premature birth. If a pregnant woman is prone to uterine contractions or has risk factors for premature birth, she still needs to be careful during sexual intercourse.

The number of times can be less than before pregnancy, and the movements and postures should be gentler; once severe uterine contractions occur, they should be stopped immediately.

4. Engage in intense exercise

More intense exercise may also trigger early uterine contractions. If the pregnant woman is prone to uterine contractions or has risk factors for premature birth, she should avoid it and try to get more rest.

For pregnant mothers, many sports will be restricted due to their body shape; experts recommend walking, yoga and swimming; and the latter two are recommended to have been done before pregnancy, or in a safe environment with a coach or lifeguard.

5. Is it dangerous to accidentally fall?

The fetus is protected by the mother's uterus and amniotic fluid. If a pregnant woman falls, the fetus will generally not be affected, nor will it cause premature birth or early rupture of membranes (as often shown on TV: a pregnant woman will have a miscarriage after accidentally slipping, but this is actually very rare). Unless the pregnant woman's abdomen is severely hit or the pregnant woman has serious external injuries, a severe impact may even cause early placental detachment and massive internal bleeding, endangering the lives of the mother and fetus.

Theoretically, the fetus will not be affected if a pregnant woman falls. However, for safety reasons, regardless of whether there is any external injury or whether the pregnant mother herself feels anything unusual, it is best to go to the hospital and have an obstetrician check it out for peace of mind. There are many dangers on the road. Whether pregnant mothers are riding a motorcycle or driving, they should pay more attention to traffic safety, abide by traffic rules, avoid traffic accidents, and protect their own and their fetuses' lives.