Labor and birth are incredible processes, but for many expectant mothers, contractions are one of the most feared aspects of childbirth. The good news? You don’t have to fear contractions!
Your body is designed for this process, and understanding what happens during labor contractions can help you feel more confident, in control, and prepared. The more you know, the better you can manage labor with techniques that reduce tension and pain.
Understanding Contractions: Your Body is a Powerhouse
From the moment your body begins forming your baby, it works like a well-orchestrated powerhouse. Labor contractions are a key part of the birth process, helping to open the cervix and guide your baby into the world.
📌 Check out this excellent video that visually explains contractions:
👉 How Contractions Work
Why Do Contractions Hurt? The Science Behind Fear and Pain
One of the biggest reasons contractions are painful is fear. Yes, fear! Studies show that anxiety and fear during labor can increase the perception of pain due to the fear-tension-pain cycle (Melzack et al., 1984).
✔ When you feel anxious, your body releases adrenaline, which can slow down labor and make contractions feel more painful.
✔ The key is to stay calm, breathe deeply, and use relaxation techniques to allow your body to work naturally with labor instead of against it.
📌 Learn more:
- Why Are Women Afraid of Labor Pain?
- The Truth About Labor Pain (Understanding what causes labor pain and how to cope)
What Happens During Contractions?
The Role of Contractions in Labor
By definition, contractions are the rhythmic tightening and relaxing of the uterus that help move the baby down and dilate the cervix. During a contraction:
- The vertical and horizontal muscle fibers of the uterus tighten.
- The cervix thins and opens.
- Your baby moves further down into the birth canal.
The strength and frequency of contractions increase as labor progresses.
Hormones That Drive Labor and Contractions
There are five key hormones that regulate pregnancy and labor, ensuring a smooth and natural progression:
- Estrogen – Increases the uterus’s sensitivity to oxytocin, helping contractions start.
- Oxytocin – Known as the “love hormone,” it stimulates contractions and encourages bonding with your baby.
- Prostaglandins – Soften and ripen the cervix, allowing it to stretch open.
- Prolactin – Prepares the body for breastfeeding and reduces stress.
- Relaxin – Helps loosen the pelvic joints and soften the cervix.
These hormones work together to prepare your body for labor and delivery.
📌 Reference: World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines on Hormones and Labor (2021)
Early Signs of Labor: What to Watch For
Contractions aren’t the only sign that labor is beginning. Here are some early body signals that labor is near:
✔ Heightened emotional sensitivity
✔ Feeling crampy or experiencing strong pre-labor contractions
✔ Increased vaginal discharge
✔ Loss of mucus plug (sometimes tinged with blood)
✔ A burst of nesting energy
✔ Softer, more frequent bowel movements
These signs indicate that your body is preparing for labor, but they don’t necessarily mean labor will start immediately.
Understanding Cervical Changes During Labor
Labor contractions cause three major cervical changes:
-
Effacement – Thinning of the cervix from 0% (thick) to 100% (completely thinned out).
📌 Example: If your doctor says you’re 90% effaced, your cervix is nearly ready. -
Dilation – Opening of the cervix from 0 cm (closed) to 10 cm (fully open).
📌 Example: If you’re 2 cm dilated, your cervix is beginning to open. -
Cervical Positioning – Moving from posterior (back) to anterior (front) as labor progresses.
These changes prepare your body for delivery.
How to Tell the Difference: Pre-Labor vs. True Labor Contractions
It can be hard to tell if labor has actually begun, especially for first-time moms. Here’s a simple way to distinguish between pre-labor (Braxton Hicks) contractions and true labor contractions:
| Feature | Pre-Labor Contractions | True Labor Contractions |
|---|---|---|
| Regularity | Can be irregular, unpredictable | Follow a steady pattern |
| Strength | Stay the same or fade | Get stronger over time |
| Timing | Do not get closer together | Get closer together |
| Activity Response | Stop with rest or hydration | Continue no matter what |
| Location of Pain | Felt in the front or just one area | Felt in the back and front, often wrapping around |
📌 If in doubt, call your provider to discuss your symptoms!
What to Expect from Contractions During Labor
Early Labor (0-4 cm dilated)
✔ Contractions are mild and 5 to 20 minutes apart
✔ You can still talk and move through them
✔ This phase can last hours or even days
Active Labor (4-7 cm dilated)
✔ Contractions are stronger, longer (45-60 seconds), and closer together (2-3 minutes apart)
✔ You will need to focus on breathing and coping techniques
Transition Phase (7-10 cm dilated)
✔ Contractions are intense, frequent, and last up to 90 seconds
✔ This is the hardest part of labor—but also the shortest
✔ The urge to push may begin as the baby moves lower
Timing Contractions: How to Know When It’s Time to Go
If you suspect labor, start timing your contractions using a stopwatch, an app, or a written log.
How to time contractions:
- Start the timer when a contraction begins.
- Stop the timer when the contraction ends.
- Track how long contractions last and how far apart they are.
Follow the 5-1-1 Rule:
📌 Call your provider when contractions are:
✔ 5 minutes apart
✔ Lasting 1 minute each
✔ Continuing for at least 1 hour
📌 When to Call Your Doctor Immediately:
🚨 Your water breaks.
🚨 You experience heavy bleeding.
🚨 Baby is moving less than usual.
🚨 You have intense, unbearable pain.
📌 Reference: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Guidelines on Labor (2023)
Final Thoughts: Your Body Knows What to Do!
Labor contractions are a natural and essential part of childbirth. By understanding what’s happening in your body, you can manage fear, reduce pain, and embrace the process with confidence.
You’ve got this, mama! 🎉
💬 What was your experience with labor contractions? Share your story in the comments!
📌 For more on the stages of labor, check out our Stages of Labor blog post!
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2023). Labor & Delivery Guidelines. Retrieved from www.acog.org
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Hormones and Labor. Retrieved from www.who.int
- Melzack, R., Taenzer, P., Feldman, P., & Kinch, R. A. (1984). Labor pain: The role of psychological factors. Pain, 19(2), 151-159.
