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Training contractions, also called Braxton Hicks or "false contractions", are those that usually appear after the 2nd trimester and that are weaker than contractions during childbirth, which appear later in the pregnancy.
These contractions and training last an average of 30 to 60 seconds, are irregular and cause only discomfort in the pelvic area and back. They do not cause pain, they do not dilate the uterus and they do not have the necessary strength to make the baby be born.
What are training contractions for
It is believed that contractions of Braxton Hicks they happen to lead to cervical softening and strengthening of the uterine muscles, as the uterus must be soft and the muscle fibers strong, so that the contractions responsible for the baby's birth take place. This is why they are known as training contractions, as they prepare the uterus for delivery.
In addition, they also appear to help increase oxygen-rich blood flow to the placenta. These contractions do not cause the cervix to dilate, unlike contractions during childbirth and, therefore, are unable to induce birth.
When contractions arise
Training contractions usually appear around 6 weeks of pregnancy, but are only identified by the pregnant woman around the 2nd or 3rd trimester, as they tend to start very lightly.
What to do during contractions
During training contractions, it is not necessary for the pregnant woman to take any special care, however, if they cause a lot of discomfort, it is recommended that the pregnant woman lie down comfortably with the support of a pillow on her back and under her knees, remaining in this position for a few minutes. .
Other relaxation techniques can also be used such as meditation, yoga or aromatherapy, which help to relax mind and body. Here's how to practice aromatherapy.
Training or real contractions?
True contractions, which start labor usually appear after 37 weeks of gestation and are more regular, rhythmic and stronger than training contractions. In addition, they are always accompanied by moderate to severe pain, do not decrease with rest and increase in intensity over the hours. See how to better identify labor.
The following table summarizes the main differences between training contractions and the real ones:
Training contractions | True contractions |
Irregular, appearing at different intervals. | Regular, appearing every 20, 10 or 5 minutes, for example. |
They are usually weak and do not get worse over time. | They are more intense and tend to be stronger over time. |
They improve when moving the body. | They do not improve when moving the body. |
It causes only mild discomfort in the abdomen. | They are accompanied by severe to moderate pain. |
If the contractions are at regular intervals, increase in intensity and cause moderate pain, it is advisable to call the unit where the prenatal care is being performed or go to the unit indicated for delivery, especially if the woman is older than 34 weeks of pregnancy.