As the due date approaches, expectant mothers often focus on the imminent labor and the contractions that come with it.
What do contractions feel like? Are they painful? How can you tell them apart?
In this article, we’ve prepared a comprehensive overview of the different types of contractions during pregnancy and childbirth.

What is a contraction?

Contractions are movements of the uterine muscles that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. Different types of contractions happen at various stages of pregnancy, and each has its own purpose: some prepare your body for labor, while others help your baby move out of the uterus. You will likely notice that they vary in intensity and frequency. When it comes to contraction pain, every woman experiences it differently, which is why it’s hard to describe exactly how painful they can be. Still, it can be helpful to know the characteristics of the different types of contractions, since not all of them mean labor has begun. Learning to tell them apart will help you recognize the ones that signal birth is near—and that it’s time to go to the maternity ward.

Contractions during pregnancy

Premature labor:

Early contractions, or premature labor, are contractions that can occur before the 36th week of pregnancy . You may recognize them if your uterus contracts about three times per hour at fairly short intervals, and the pain gradually intensifies. These contractions may be accompanied by watery, or even bloody, discharge. For this reason, you should pay close attention and inform your doctor. Even if they are not a sign of premature birth, they can still be a warning signal from your body indicating physical and/or emotional overload —and a sign that it’s urgent to slow down. A bit of rest and relaxation could do you a lot of good; your doctor will also likely recommend magnesium for its antispasmodic effect. If you have entered a phase of premature labor, they may suggest medication to slow down or stop the progression of labor, or, as a last resort, a cervical cerclage.

The contractions of Braxton-Hicks or "false labor":

You will likely experience uterine contractions called Braxton-Hicks contractions during your pregnancy. While they can occur throughout pregnancy, expectant mothers usually feel them during the third trimester . Although this sensation may be surprising at first, these contractions are completely normal and shouldn’t worry you. They correspond to the tightening and relaxing of your uterine muscles. In terms of intensity, frequency, and duration, they are irregular. You may feel your belly harden and then relax. They are not painful—so much so that some pregnant women aren’t even aware of them—while others compare them to the twinges felt during the premenstrual period. They often ease with rest, a shower, or a nice hot bath.

If they occur more than three to four times per hour or more than ten times per day, or are accompanied by discharge or bleeding, consult your doctor or midwife as a precaution.

Pre-labor contractions

Pre-labor contractions can occur during the third trimester of pregnancy, often around the 36th week . They may intensify as the due date approaches and help prepare your body for childbirth. You may recognize these contractions because they occur at irregular intervals and are relatively painless. For example, you might feel sharp twinges in the lower back, around the groin, or notice increased pressure on your bladder.

As birth approaches, your contractions may intensify and become more painful as they push the baby's head toward your pelvis to ensure proper positioning in the birth canal. Your baby is then securely positioned for delivery—it’s only a matter of time. These contractions can be intense; once again, a warm bath can be your best friend. You can also take this opportunity to practice the breathing techniques learned during childbirth preparation classes to help you relax.

Labor contractions

Many women worry about confusing false contractions with true labor contractions and not realizing that labor is imminent. In reality, this concern is usually unfounded. Labor contractions are hard to ignore because they can be quite intense. What’s more, they occur at regular intervals. Since they often happen around your due date, they’re easier to recognize. They may also be accompanied by a slight discharge. Although each woman experiences contractions differently, most new mothers later report that they had no trouble telling the difference, thanks to the change in intensity.

The dilation contractions

The dilation contractions mark the start of labor and its longest phase. If you want to learn more about the different stages of a natural childbirth, find out everything that awaits you in our article « Labor: signs, stages, and birth ». From the 37th week of pregnancy , you can expect them to appear at any moment! They allow the cervix to open up to 10 cm. At first, dilation contractions are irregular, then they become more intense and eventually come every two to ten minutes. Each contraction lasts about a minute and a half, and many women compare them to menstrual cramps that gradually become stronger. As soon as you feel a contraction coming on, try to breathe calmly and deeply. If possible, time the intervals between contractions. If they last between one and a half minutes, it is time to go to the maternity ward or call your midwife if you are giving birth at home.

The pressure contractions

The peak of childbirth, the so-called expulsion phase , begins with pressure contractions. Once the cervix is fully dilated, pressure contractions follow the dilation contractions. They are intense and occur at very short intervals. They help move your baby down and will make you want to push. Although this phase of labor is quite exhausting, the thought of holding your little one in your arms will surely give you unexpected strength.

The release contractions

A few minutes after delivery, contractions return. They usually last between 10 and 15 minutes and help expel the placenta, to which your baby was attached throughout pregnancy. These contractions are much less intense and can be compared to strong menstrual cramps.

Postnatal contractions

Even if it may seem strange at first, contractions don’t stop when childbirth ends; you may still feel them for a few days. These contractions help your uterus return to its original size and stop bleeding after delivery. If this is your second or third child, the contractions are often stronger because the uterus must contract more intensely to involute.

If you are breastfeeding, you might feel the pain more intensely. The culprit? Oxytocin, the hormone of breastfeeding and sexuality, which is released while you nurse and promotes uterine contractions.

What do contractions look like?

Many first-time mothers have questions about childbirth, especially about contractions and their intensity. Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—it’s difficult to answer, because every woman is different. The sensation of contractions and the intensity of labor pain are highly individual and depend, among other things, on the expectant mother’s physical and mental state. If you feel tense and the idea of giving birth makes you break out in cold sweats, hypnosis sessions could help you approach childbirth more calmly. During hypnobirthing sessions, you’ll learn different breathing and relaxation techniques. One of the best-known approaches is to think of contractions as waves and to let go of their painful, negative connotations.

When to go to the maternity ward?

That’s the question many prospective parents ask themselves, especially with a first baby. In hindsight, many admit they went far too early! :) The interval and duration of contractions will indicate the right moment. If they are regular—about every five minutes for a first child—and last more than 30 seconds, it is probably time to go to the maternity ward or call your midwife in the case of a home birth. For subsequent pregnancies, births are usually faster, which is why you can go to the maternity ward when contractions occur every ten minutes.

In case of premature rupture of membranes, vaginal bleeding, intense pain, fever, visual disturbances, nausea, or dizziness, you must go immediately to the maternity ward.

The midwife will monitor your contractions either by palpation or by fetal monitoring, which analyzes in real time not only your contractions but also your baby's heartbeat. She can also perform a vaginal exam to assess the dilation of the cervix. Depending on the progress of labor, you will either be admitted directly to the delivery room or stay in the auscultation room. If you arrive at the maternity ward too early, it’s very likely the staff will send you back home—which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, since you can stay calm and relax before delivery.

Even if you fear the contractions and pain associated with childbirth, remember that each one brings you a little closer to your little adventurer. Good preparation and a positive attitude can help you get through this stage more calmly. Relax—the most beautiful reward will soon peek out its little nose. ;)