What to do to calm preparatory or isolated contractions?
- move if you have been sitting: contractions usually stop when you move;
- drink some water: contractions can be triggered by dehydration;
- take a hot bath, but not too hot, it should be a nice relaxing warm one;
- lie on your left side and avoid lying on your back: this can slow down or stop contractions.
When to go to hospital with contractions?
Contractions will become more regular and closer together, last about a minute, occur every 3-4 minutes and will be stronger: at this point it is advisable to get ready and go to hospital.
Contractions and the beginning of labour
The pain is felt distinctly above the pubis, far below, and can also reach the thigh muscles, or it is reflected in the back, in the kidney area, and can reach the sacral area.
How to resist contractions?
- walk;
- assume positions that take the weight off your back;
- standing so as to use gravity to help the baby descend through the pelvis;
- bounce gently while sitting on a yoga ball;
- using vibrating massagers to reduce pain, temporarily.
These are all methods well documented as effective in speeding up the progress of labour and pain management.
How do you breathe during contractions?
In the initial phase of labour, relax and breathe deeply. To make your breathing effective, push on your diaphragm concentrating your thrust on your lower abdomen. So, first inhale at the level of the diaphragm and then exhale during the push, to help the perineum relax as well.
How long does a contraction last on average?
In the early stages of labour, a contraction lasts 15-20 seconds.
It is advisable to go to hospital when contractions occur about 3-5 minutes apart and when they last about 40-50 seconds.
How far do you dilate per hour?
Normal labour proceeds with one centimetre of dilation per hour.