What happens if pregnant women have frequent uterine contractions?

A woman's body functions will undergo many changes after she becomes pregnant. In the middle and late stages of pregnancy, uterine contractions and fetal movements will occur. Many women who are pregnant for the first time are particularly nervous about uterine contractions. In fact, uterine contractions are a normal physiological phenomenon after pregnancy. The frequency of uterine contractions will gradually increase with the development of the baby. After the due date, if the uterine contractions accelerate, you should pay attention to whether you are about to go into labor. This article introduces the relevant content, let’s take a look.

1. When will uterine contractions become frequent?

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 expectant mother herself will not feel uncomfortable, and usually this kind of contraction will disappear automatically.

2. How to judge whether frequent uterine contractions are dangerous

Although frequent uterine contractions do not necessarily mean that the expectant mother is in danger, pregnant mothers must not take it lightly! The number of weeks of pregnancy and the type of uterine contractions are the two important bases for determining whether the pregnant mother and fetus are in danger. Frequent uterine contractions, if they occur after 37 weeks of pregnancy, indicate that birth is imminent.

Expectant mothers can first evaluate themselves to see if this uncomfortable condition can resolve on its own. If not, then they should first evaluate the frequency of uterine contractions. If a pregnant mother with her first child experiences pain more than three times within ten minutes, or a pregnant mother with her second or subsequent child experiences pain once within ten minutes, then they should go to the hospital to assess whether they need to be hospitalized for delivery. Because the fetus is full-term at this time, not premature. In addition, if water breaks, vaginal bleeding is heavy, or fetal movement is significantly reduced after 37 weeks of pregnancy, you need to go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible. If frequent uterine contractions occur between 20 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, you should pay more attention and prevent premature birth.

3. Internal causes of frequent uterine contractions

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. The uterus is too large: for example, pregnancy with multiple babies or excessive amniotic fluid.

5. Incomplete cervical occlusion (painless cervical dilatation).

6. The expectant mother smokes and drinks.

7. The expectant mother has a disease: such as gestational hypertension, thyroid problems, and autoimmune diseases.

8. The expectant mother has a history of premature birth.