What causes uterine contractions

When women are pregnant, in addition to feeling the growth of their children every day, they also gradually learn a lot of knowledge about calcium supplementation and nutritional supplements for the growth process of a new life. However, there are still many things that expectant mothers do not understand, such as uterine contractions. Because most of them are having their first child, they have no experience, let alone special knowledge of these things, so they are not sure what situations will cause uterine contractions.

Uterine contractions are a very unfamiliar thing for many people, especially those who have never given birth. However, for women who have childbirth experience, it is definitely a nightmare memory. Therefore, it is important for women who are about to give birth to understand what uterine contractions are.

Uterine contractions: An important feature of labor, in short, is the regular contractions of the uterus, or uterine contractions. The contractions are irregular and weak at first, then gradually become regular, becoming increasingly stronger, lasting longer, and with shorter intervals, such as an interval of 2-3 minutes, lasting 50-60 seconds. The last few months of pregnancy are characterized by irregular contractions, especially in the last few weeks. After the fetal movement, just put your hands on your abdomen and you will feel your abdomen hardening from time to time. This type of contraction is irregular, non-cyclical, and painless.

In addition to physiological spontaneous uterine contractions, some external forces can also trigger uterine contractions.

1. Falling - When the abdomen is accidentally hit, it will not only compress the fetus in the uterus, but also reduce the blood supply in the uterus due to pain and shock. Severe impacts may even cause early placental abruption, endangering the lives of the mother and fetus.

2. Lifting heavy objects - When lifting heavy objects or moving items, you will exert force on the waist and lower abdomen, causing abdominal compression and uterine congestion, so there is a risk of miscarriage or premature birth. If you have to (such as holding a child), it is best to squat down and bend over first, hold the child or object tightly, and then stand up and raise your waist.

3. Common causes─uterine infection or extrauterine infection, such as urinary tract infection and vaginitis. Abnormal placenta, abnormal uterus or an enlarged uterus, such as multiple pregnancy or hydatidiform mole.

4. Tension and excessive fatigue - Clinical observation shows that pregnant women who are in an environment of excessive tension and fatigue for a long time are more likely to have frequent uterine contractions.

5. Bending the body or taking a posture that compresses the abdomen - During pregnancy, the center of gravity leans forward, so many expectant mothers will unconsciously bend over and hunch back, but this posture can easily cause pelvic collapse, and the fetus cannot be maintained in the correct position. In addition, bending over will increase the burden on the body and cause pain in the back and lumbar spine.

6. Have the same sexual life as when you are not pregnant - Although you can maintain sexual life during pregnancy, intense sexual intercourse and ejaculation can easily induce uterine contractions, and the man-on-top position can also put pressure on the fetus in the womb. In addition, the first three months and the last month of pregnancy are sensitive periods for embryo implantation and development and impending delivery, so it is best to control or avoid sexual intercourse.

7. The body is in a state of long-term shaking or engaging in intense exercise - during strenuous exercise, the waist and abdomen are often used unconsciously, or excessive fatigue is caused due to too long a time; therefore, if you have to take public transportation for a long time, it is best to consult a doctor first to avoid accidents.

8. Cold water bath - Sudden temperature changes will reduce blood flow through the body, which will cause inappropriate stimulation to the uterine environment that requires warmth, thereby causing contractions.

Through the introduction of the above content, we can understand that there are many reasons that cause uterine contractions, usually lifting heavy objects or being hit, etc. Knowing this, family members can avoid causing uterine contractions in pregnant women by being careful not to bump into them in daily life. You don’t have to worry about hurting pregnant women due to carelessness in daily life.