Congratulations! You’re expecting a baby soon - cue the excitement, fear and endless googling. It’s an exciting time but let's be real, it can also be overwhelming (especially if you are becoming accustomed to contractions). One of the constantly asked questions in pregnancy is about feeling baby movements and how they relate to contractions. In this article, we'll explore the connection between contractions and baby movement so that you can better understand what to expect during labor.
What are Contractions?
Ah, yes – contraction. That bad boy everyone warns us about. A contraction is your uterus' way of preparing for childbirth. It involves strong involuntary muscular spasms as your cervix opens up at regular intervals in preparation for delivery (the body has been waiting nine months for this moment!). They should lessen after some time once labor begins but no promises as pain does vary from person to person.
Why do they occur?
A good start would be to know why these pesky little things happen. Your body releases oxytocin which stimulates uterine muscles cause these natural phenomena known as contractions- could have fooled me into thinking it was just random pain with NO reason behind it. These tightenings decrease blood flow through our uterine vessels resulting in decreased placental perfusion which sends oxygen-depriving signals back giving our brains a nudge-nudge “Hey lady please push this kid out’’.
Early Labor Contractions
These tend to feel like period cramps, occurring closer together over time whilst getting stronger too…uh oh sounds refreshing ! Read more below:
- Can start very irregularly/feels sporadic
- Usually If one occurs every few hours-this means... Go relax! Try watching movies or taking walks.
- Still able focus on other activities despite occurring
Active Labor Contraction
Let us break it to you this won’t be what you call "easy-peasy japan-easy". This phase tends to occur once the cervix has dilated and may last a few hours or longer (God have mercy).
- Occurs regularly ~ 3-5 minutes lasting up to a minute excluding how long your cervix takes to fully expand.
- When active, baby movements become more common when compared with early labor.
Transitional Labor Contractions
This is where things get irksome. The baby starts making its way down, creating pressure on pelvic muscles whilst signaling for its escape from that prison of yours. Sounds delightful already!
What are Baby Movements?
Baby movement known as -calm before the storm- can start happening any moment after week 16 of pregnancy when they first flutter in our womb without playing by the rules-for some that could even mean skipping some days! Past month 28th, these epic kicks happen often which becomes an everyday sensation since their legs became stronger allowing them to keep mommy busy for HOURS literally No exaggeration!!
Types of Baby Movement
Diverse habbits if I say so myself
Kicks:
These are strong sharp jabs felt/may appear painful but trust me they're normal nontoxic ninja moves .
Rolls & Swirls:
As babies grow more significant ,they take up substantial space wiggling and wriggling through your system like fishes slip sliding away .Feels like sushi rolls got life in it.
Braxton Hicks contractions:
A bit confusing aren't they? BH contractions or false contractions tend to give off similar sensations such as hardening stomachs only many people don't experience pain with it.
Kick Counts
Kick Counting really is an essential part of reassuring yourself about the healthy growth/positioning patterns between mother-baby oxygenation provided adequate or not .It can also mean that he/she’s healthy and doing what all babies do. Some find it very reassuring since this is one way physicians monitor delivery readiness.
The Connection Between Contractions & Baby Movements
Is there really a visible relationship between these two? What could they have in common besides occurring simultaneously?
Prelabor Contractions:
During early contractions, you may notice little baby movements - pretty cool right? They might want to be like “Listen, mum we’re here together.” Too cute!
Active Labor Contractions
Now imagine the pain of contraction gradually leading up to multiple intense kicks until finally giving you that marvelous gift…Hmm ughh wonderline on your feet but once pushed through-All was worth it (hopefully). During active labor phases, baby movement becomes more apparent too.
Final Thoughts
In summary, while sensations felt during pregnancy could sometimes feel unbearable or exhausting there's actually no need for panic if proper medical attention is obtained during both pre/post-labour we didn't say easy but manageable. Remember relax when possible,takes walks or watch some movies(hopefully comedy!)... and let surefire know-how about baby movements lifted off the load – hence always ensuring happy moments with your new arrival!