How Do I Know My Contractions Are Real?

Ladies everywhere that have ever had a baby can certainly sympathize with those just embarking on your first bundle of joy. There seems to be so much to learn about and getting overwhelmed is an easy thing to do when pregnant.  Among other things, it can sometimes be hard to tell a 'real' contraction from a 'false' one.
 

Generally speaking, if you feel a pain you should consult your Obgyn at once. Even in the first trimester you can have a feeling that alarms you and then you have to get it checked out. In the third or second trimesters, pain, cramping and discomfort can all be experienced but not in every case. Cramping will come and go as your body begins to stretch inside and make additional room for the baby. By the time you are half way through the nine months, your body has most likely gained an additional ten to fifteen pounds already. That weight has to be accounted for and causing some aches and pains is totally normal. Pregnancy is not intended to be the most comfortable experience in the world, it is intended to just happen naturally and the female body can usually adapt quite nicely to those changes.

At around thirty weeks, your baby will weigh two pounds or even more. This means extra pulling on the ligaments and additional stretching at the hip area. Your back may be aching at times as well, and the best thing you can do for yourself is to sit down or lay down for a few minutes and breathe.

Real contractions vs. False alarms:

Contractions are tricky things to manage. In fact, some women contract but never dilate on their own making it even more challenging to plead your case with your doctor that you are in pain. Always time the contractions as this can be your first indicator that the baby is ready to come out. If they are a regular pattern, last a minute long or so and are a few minutes apart then you may need to get to the hospital. Time them for a half an hour if the pain isn’t too horrible. If they are sporadic such as every twenty minutes, or you only have them when you are walking or busy during the day then odds are you are experiencing Braxton Hicks ones versus the real deal. Real contractions are tightening and generally painful once they begin to work on dilating your cervix. Some women have contraction pains in their backs also, which is something to keep in mind.

Communication with your doctor is key. Tell he or she if you are having pain, they don’t want you walking around pregnant in pain and there could very well be a reason for it. Some babies can be in distress and need medical treatment instantly, which is why it is so crucial you call you Obgyn at once. Try to lay down, if that doesn’t work and you are still having any discomfort you may need your cervix checked to see if you are dilating. Take deep breaths and know that your doctor can handle all of this, the sooner you see them the better you can feel and have your mind at ease that your baby is alright!

How To Prevent Preterm Labor

Preterm labor is something no one wants to experience. It can be very scary for the mother to be and the baby alike. Preterm is technically considered having a baby before 37 weeks of the gestational period. Knowing all of the tips on how to prevent preterm labor can help eliminate your chances of going into the hospital before you should be.

Preventative Preterm Labor Tips:

1. Steer clear of foods that can induce labor. Pineapple juice and drinks with caffeine in them have been known to induce labor for some women. Some spicy foods can contribute to it as well, know your body and if something doesn't go down well then stop eating it.
2. Exercise with caution. Many women can cycle, swim and eve run while pregnant. Typically the rule of thumb is if you were rather active before getting pregnant, you can continue to workout with some modifications. Do not go horseback riding frequently, mountain climbing in hot temperatures, run only if your body feels okay after doing so, and steer clear of activities that involve jumping or bouncing a lot.
3. Stress. This may seem unavoidable in some households, but you will need to limit your stress levels when you are pregnant. It is bad for the baby when Mom is upset and even worse for you. Always take a few minutes out each day just for you to unwind.
4. Walking and standing. Although it is very acceptable to work throughout your pregnancy, some Moms working all the way up until their water breaks you still need to be cautious of what you are doing all day at work. For example, walking or standing on your feet for hours on end will become trying on your growing body during pregnancy.
5. Intercourse. Many Moms to be claim they would rather eat dirt then engage in intercourse during their pregnancies, while others have a very enjoyable sexual health life during those nine months. The only issue is if you have any complications, or if you fear going into preterm labor then you should keep your intercourse to a minimum. Doctors claim semen has something in it that can cause the cervix to dilate.
6. Hydration. It is very important to stay hydrated during the entire pregnancy. A fraction of preterm labors have begun as a result of nothing other than dehydration. You have to ensure you are drinking plenty of water and all day long as well. Dehydration can result in the labor process beginning, so this is a big one for those that reside in an area that is very warm or dry all year long.

If you still have any reservations, consult with your Obgyn. They will be able to come up with a specific plan to cure most of your worries and to ensure that you will go as close to full term as you can.

Quickening Baby Movements

Understanding Quickening Fetal Movements

For mothers who are pregnant for the first time, it is usually difficult to percept the baby’s movements. For some even the first movement can go unnoticed as it is very slight. Whichever the case after the first 18 weeks of pregnancy you should be able to feel your baby move.

This was described as a slight fluttering feeling or the butterflies. But this was later termed as quickening baby movements. Some mothers have very active babies while others move minimally.

Baby Movements in Pregnancy
As mentioned previously, movement should be felt by the 18th week but with later pregnancies a mother will become more perceptive and will be able to tell if her baby has started kicking. The quickening baby movements can then be felt as early as the 15th week. With time these movements change from slight fluttering to strong kicks. This signifies the baby’s growth within the mother. The following are guidelines as to what to expect during the different weeks of your pregnancy.

21 to 24 weeks

During this time you’ll be feeling baby movements that are similar to kicks and jerks. This is because from now henceforth your baby will be very active as it would have just discovered the use of its limbs.

24 to 28 weeks

It is during this time that your baby will start hiccupping and you will soon get used to the sudden movements within your baby. The amniotic fluid is enough to shield your baby but the movements will still be felt. It is also at this time that the baby will react to sudden sounds around you. You might actually feel the baby jump within you.

During the 29th week

Because of its growth, the baby’s movements are slowed down due to the limited room in the uterus. However the movements it makes are still strong enough.

During the 32nd week

At this time the baby’s movement will become more defined as it grows bigger and bigger. The number of times the kicks occur increase too.

The 36th week

If it is your first pregnancy then your muscles are strong and at this time the baby will change its position and have its head facing your cervix. The walls of your abdomen will serve as its pillow. At this time mainly expect sharp jerks from its arms and legs because it would have almost been full grown by now.

36 to 40 weeks

At this time pregnancy baby movements will be reduced because of the growth of the baby. During the last few weeks it is perfectly normal for your baby to slow down in activity and therefore there should be nothing worrying about that.

Last weeks of pregnancy

It is at this time that the baby prepares for birth. Its position is stable with its head resting on your pelvic floor. Mothers during this stage of pregnancy are cautioned to sit carefully as the baby’s head might be endangered with any rough treatment in that area. Because the baby has moved downwards towards you cervix you will feel less pressure on your ribcage and a little extra weight on you lower abdomen.