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The key is to differentiate Braxton Hicks contractions from true labor contractions (see Table 1 above). Most commonly, Braxton Hicks contractions are weak and feel like mild cramping that occurs in a localized area in the front abdomen at an infrequent and irregular rhythm (usually every 10-20 minutes), with each contraction lasting up to 2 ...
Contractions gradually become stronger and closer together. [15] Since the pain of childbirth correlates with contractions, the pain becomes more frequent and strong as the labour progresses. The second stage ends when the infant is fully expelled. The third stage is the delivery of the placenta. [16]
These labour contractions are characterized by their rhythmic tightening and relaxation of the myometrium, the most prominent uterine muscle. Labour contractions primarily serve the purpose of opening and dilating the cervix, [7] which leads to the assisting of the passage of the baby through the vaginal canal during the first stage of labour.
Pre-labor consists of the early signs before labor starts. It is the body's preparation for real labor. Prodromal labor has been misnamed as “false labor." Prodromal labor begins much as traditional labor but does not progress to the birth of the baby. Not everyone feels this stage of labor, though it does always occur.
The Ferguson reflex (also called the fetal ejection reflex) is the neuroendocrine reflex comprising the self-sustaining cycle of uterine contractions initiated by pressure at the cervix, more precisely, the internal end of cervix, or vaginal walls. It is an example of positive feedback in biology. The Ferguson reflex occurs in mammals.
contractions that seem continuous and do not stop [5] vaginal bleeding [5] [8] enlarged uterus (disproportionate to the gestational age of the fetus) [5] decreased fetal movement [5] decreased fetal heart rate. [5] Vaginal bleeding, if it occurs, may be bright red or dark. [1]
Labor is separated into 4 stages. The first stage involves latent phase and active phase separated by the dilation of the cervix for 6 to 10 cm. The second stage is the pushing stage. The third stage involves the delivery of the placenta. And the last stage is the contraction of the uterus. [21]
From that point, pressure from the presenting part (head in vertex births or bottom in breech births), along with uterine contractions, will dilate the cervix to 10 centimeters, which is "complete." Cervical dilation is accompanied by effacement, the thinning of the cervix. General guidelines for cervical dilation: Latent phase: 0–3 centimeters