Help, but was that a contraction? Here's how to recognize them

Forti, lievi, rapide o sporadiche: tutto quello che c’è da sapere sulle contrazioni

Easy to say: contractions. No mother truly knows what contractions are until she experiences them for the first time, and often, even when the first contraction of pregnancy arrives, she isn’t entirely sure that’s what it is. During a first pregnancy, there are many new sensations to discover, and these pains—more or less intense depending on the type—are often the ones that cause the most anxiety.

Almost all moms wonder: are they really that painful? Will you scream like you’ve seen in movies? And how do you recognize contractions? But most importantly, when the real ones come, will you know it?

Let's proceed in order: what is a contraction?

Contractions are movements of the uterine muscles that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. Over the months, you may experience them on various occasions: each contraction has its own function, and it’s important to be able to tell them apart to avoid unnecessary alarm. As we mentioned, there are several types of contractions: those that prepare the body for labor , those of birth , those used to help you push your baby out of the womb , and also postpartum ones (yes, surprise!).

They are quite different from one another. The first ones are definitely much less intense than the others, and learning to recognize the contractions that signal the start of labor will help you understand when it’s the right time to go to the hospital.

How do I know if it's a contraction?

Every woman has a different pain-perception threshold, and for this reason, it isn’t easy to describe whether contractions will be more or less painful. Their intensity certainly varies depending on the type and, especially as childbirth approaches, the mother may feel them change in strength; also the rhythm will become more sustained. Regular contractions are the sign that the little explorer is ready to discover the world !

All types of contractions.

Contractions are not all the same. There are different types, and they vary depending on the stage of pregnancy in which they occur.

They are the ones that can occur before the 26th week . You can recognize them because the uterus contracts approximately three times per hour at relatively short intervals , and the pain gradually increases. They can be a sign of preterm labor or a need to rest. If you have any doubts, it’s always best to consultare a point of reference, whether it’s your doctor , gynecologist, or the midwife .







They are essentially abdominal spasms, similar to the pains that can be experienced before or during the menstrual cycle , and they help prepare the uterus for childbirth . Not all women feel them, but they are very common, especially during the last weeks of pregnancy. They can also occur if the little fish swimming in your belly accidentally kicks the walls: your belly tightens and you may feel a very slight pain, which should not cause any concern.


These can also occur after the 36th week but, unlike early contractions, they occur at irregular intervals and are relatively painless . For example, the mother might simply feel a strong tug in the lower back, in the groin area, or increased pressure on the bladder.







We’re ready: the moment of birth has actually begun. They usually appear from the 37th week onwards , and these contractions indicate that the baby is preparing to come into the world. At the beginning dilation contractions are irregular , then they become more intense and eventually become regular , so precise that they seem to be timed by a clock!

Pain is always very personal, and no mother experiences the exact same sensations as another, but these contractions may not be a walk in the park.

As they grow stronger, try to breathe as you were taught. If you need to—whether you’re already at the facility where you’ve decided to give birth, or at home if you’ve chosen a home birth with the help of a professional—ask your point of contact for guidance on how to best handle the increasing pain.

Doctors usually advise against rushing to the hospital at the first signs of contractions. If you can, time them or ask your partner to help you do so: when they become very frequent and last for a minute or slightly less, it is usually the signal that the moment has arrived.

With birth, contractions don’t end, but the worst is now over and, for the mother, these contractions will feel much more manageable. Uterine bites are part of a completely natural process . What are they for? They help the uterus recover to its pre-pregnancy state and stop the bleeding that is typical after childbirth. They are involuntary and increase during the baby’s breastfeeding because oxytocin production is activated. It’s a final, small discomfort that closes the childbirth cycle and allows the mother to return to how she was before experiencing the nine most intense months of her life.