Pain during childbirth is one of the fears that pregnant women often think about. If this is your first labor, it's only natural that you don't have an idea of what contractions look like before labor. To answer this, come on, see complete information here.
The pain that appears during contractions before giving birth is certainly different from pain in general and does not necessarily feel the same for all women. This depends on physical and mental readiness for delivery, as well as various other factors, such as support and motivation during labour.
Description of Pain During Contractions
The image that is felt during contractions may not be easy to describe in words, because everyone has a different experience when experiencing it. Even so, there are some general clues that can be used to describe contractions before childbirth, namely:
1. Similar to menstrual cramps
Contractions before labor are more or less similar to cramps during menstruation. The difference is, these contractions will feel several times heavier than menstrual cramps.
2. Similar to flatulence
The feeling of contractions is also similar to flatulence or 'bloating' which makes you very uncomfortable. If this feeling of bloating doesn't subside even after passing wind or defecation, it could be an indication that labor is approaching.
3. Discomfort in all parts of the stomach
By the time the baby is born, the contractions will get stronger in an effort to push the baby out of the womb. Discomfort can radiate to all parts of the abdomen, starting from the front, right and left of the abdomen, to the back. The stomach will also feel very hard during contractions and the pelvis feels like it is being pressed.
4. The intensity of the pain is getting worse
The shorter the distance between the contractions and the heavier the intensity of the pain, it means that the time for delivery is near. To be sure, you can record when and how long the contractions occur, as well as how strong the pain is.
Before actually entering the labor phase, you may also feel false contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions in the last trimester of pregnancy. This is the body's mechanism to prepare the uterus for labor. These false contractions generally make the stomach feel tight and uncomfortable, but are not as painful as labor contractions.
Tips to reduce pain during contractions
The pain will indeed be felt when contractions arise before childbirth. Even so, you don't need to worry. Doctors can provide several types of treatment to reduce the pain you feel.
In addition to medication, there are several ways that can be done to help reduce pain due to contractions, while waiting for labor to arrive. Here are simple ways you can do it:
- Do activities that distract from the pain, such as watching television, sitting with birth ball, or walking around the house or nursing room.
- Calm yourself down by suggesting that the pain you feel is a gift that needs to be enjoyed to welcome the birth of your baby into the world.
- Take time to sleep, to prepare the energy that will be needed in labor later.
- Make a groaning sound while focusing on controlling your breathing.
- Do massage, for example in the legs, arms, or lower back. Ask your partner or family for help to do this.
The methods above can help you relax and be better prepared for labor. The feeling of contractions cannot be known for certain before experiencing them yourself, but if you stay calm and try to enjoy each process, the moments of contractions will be easier to recognize and pass.
Remember, all the struggles to endure the pain that you are going through will be replaced with happiness when your little one is born. If you feel you don't know much about the right delivery information, try to consult further with your doctor.