Picking pains

The uterus is a muscle that before pregnancy is the size of a pear of about 50 grams and during pregnancy grows to about 1 kilogram. After birth - regardless of whether it is a vaginal or caesarean section birth, the uterus gradually contracts over the first few weeks and almost returns to its pre-pregnancy size. The uterus therefore undergoes major changes in connection with pregnancy. During birth, it is the uterine muscle that causes contractions. Both dilation contractions and compression contractions. The body and thus the uterus are smart and know what to do. And as with everything else in life, practice makes perfect. That is why the uterus practices having contractions during pregnancy. This is what is called picking contractions.

What are pick pains?

So, contractions are uterine muscle contractions that cause the uterus to tense and become hard. Contractions are less powerful than labor contractions, and therefore cannot push the baby out of the uterus. It is completely normal to have contractions - it is the uterus practicing. Contractions are uncoordinated training for the uterine muscle, as it is a muscle that we have no control over.

When do labor pains start?

Many pregnant women start having contractions from about halfway through their pregnancy until birth. The number of contractions and their duration will often increase as you get closer to birth.

What do labor contractions feel like?

Some women feel the contractions, others don't. But they are there.
It feels as if your stomach (uterus) is getting hard - like a really hard ball. If your partner feels your stomach, he will also feel that it is really hard, after which it becomes soft again. If you are very pregnant, the contractions can take your breath away, and you have to stop and breathe. Not because they hurt, because contractions don't, but because the uterus is big and full in a very pregnant woman, and it can feel a little uncomfortable to move while it is contracting. Take a deep breath and exhale when the contractions end. This way you 'let go', which is also a good exercise before labor.

When do you have contractions?

Contractions can come out of the blue. Remember, it's the uterus that's practicing for birth. With that said, contractions can also come as a prompt reaction to physical activity by you or your baby. That's completely okay. However, be aware if you get a contraction every time you lift the shopping bags, vacuum, exercise or something else. Then it's about time to throttle down on that front. Because contractions, in addition to the uterus's important training, are also a way for the body to communicate to you that you're pregnant. Does that sound crazy?
Well, contractions can also come late. For example, the day after a shopping trip, where you were perhaps on your feet for too long without a rest, after a birthday party, where you sat down for hours and perhaps didn't listen to your limits and need to go home, or if you are struggling with many worries or rumbling with difficult feelings inside.
Stress, work pressure, challenges in relationships and family and the like can also cause contractions. If you experience a lot of contractions that do not immediately come as a prompt reaction to movement, I would encourage you to reflect on whether there is something that is taking up space in your life - and then take care of it. Please ask for help from your loved ones, your midwife or other relevant people, so that you feel supported and held. That in itself can reduce the number of contractions - especially the kind of contractions that are communication from the body that something physical or mental/psychic is happening right now.

Too many/too few picking contractions?

You can't have too few contractions. As written above, there are several pregnant women who don't feel their contractions at all. Conversely, you can have too many contractions. And now it gets a little difficult: Because there is no clear limit to when a number of contractions is too many. We women are different, our pregnancies are different and our bodies react differently - including to contractions. The problem with 'too many' contractions is that they can cause the cervix to shorten and thus, in the worst case, lead to premature birth. That is why your consultation midwife will always ask about contractions - partly to get an understanding of how many and when you have them. And so that you, as a pregnant woman, can get an understanding of whether the number of your contractions is completely normal, or whether your body is communicating something else. If you are in doubt about the number of your contractions, talk to your midwife so that you don't worry.

What are “False” contractions?

Contractions should not be painful, occur in a rhythmic pattern or in large numbers during the day. In this case, you should relax, cancel your plans for the day, rest/sleep and see if things calm down, as instead of contractions, they could be the beginning of labor. If you are a long way from your due date, this could be a sign of impending premature labor. And you should take this seriously by contacting your midwife or the maternity ward.
So, contractions should not be painful, come like pearls on a string, or in large numbers daily. And contractions should go away when you rest.

Can sex cause labor pains?

Orgasms are good, wonderful and nourishing in terms of pleasure, relaxation, physical presence and closeness with your partner if it is not a solo orgasm. And then orgasms are like being marinated in the love and deep relaxation hormone oxytocin. What's not to like!
It is also important that you and your partner know that when you have an orgasm while pregnant, it is normal for the uterine muscle to contract in one long contraction that can last several minutes. This is completely okay. You can lie on your side with your hands on your uterus and breathe deeply and relax if you feel it is a bit intense. You can ask your partner to hold you and your stomach. This in itself is muscle relaxing.

Cramps can be a sign of cystitis

Pregnant women tend to get frequent cystitis. And often without being able to feel them. Because a cystitis during pregnancy rarely hurts like when you are not pregnant. A sign of cystitis can be cramping. If you suddenly have more cramping than usual, then go to the doctor and have your urine checked.

I hope you and yours have learned more about pickling. Please reach out if you have any questions.