What do contractions feel like?

Christine, pregnancy advisor and mum

Like so many other aspects of pregnancy, every woman feels contractions differently. As your labour progresses, they will become more intense and frequent – it’s nature’s way of saying your baby is on the way! This information tells you more about labour contractions and what to expect. If you need more information, then speak to your midwife.

Christine, pregnancy advisor and mum

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What causes contractions?


You feel a contraction when a hormone called oxytocin is released which makes your womb contract. The result is a hardening and tightening of your womb which pushes your baby’s head down on your cervix and encourages it to open.

So what do contractions feel like?


Women feel contractions differently, but generally they begin as a cramp like a tight band around the top of your womb or something similar to period pains or a mild backache.

Contractions, unlike Braxton Hicks have a regular pattern and rhythm to them. As you get closer to giving birth the contractions will become more intense and closer together.

Coping with contractions


During the first stage of labour, the breathing techniques you learned at your antenatal classes will be very useful.  But once in hospital and the contractions become stronger you may want something else to help like gas and air or other pain relief. By the second stage of labour you’ll be concentrating on pushing your baby out and focussing on the end result.

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