Contraction training: what it is and how to differentiate it from labor

Contraction training helps prepare the body for the baby’s arrival, but it can make some expectant mothers scared. Here’s what obstetrician gynecologist Dr. Giana Mendonça (CRM 33381 / RQE 36082) told about it and learn more about this period of pregnancy.

What are training contractions?

Also called the Braxton Hicks contraction, the training contraction is a way the pregnant woman’s body prepares for labor. According to gynecologist Giana, contractions strengthen the uterus, causing the body to adapt and prepare for childbirth.

The professional stressed that it is “important to understand that training contractions are natural and a preparation of the uterus for labor, they are not synonymous with premature birth”.

When do they occur?

This type of contraction “can happen from the beginning of pregnancy, but they are more noticeable from the end of the second trimester”, said Giana. The gynecologist added that “they are generally painless or have a feeling of pressure, but cannot cause dilation”.

How do they occur?

If you feel discomfort reminiscent of menstrual cramps and your belly is a little tight, Braxton Hicks contractions are probably happening. When identifying them, rest assured, as they are natural reactions of the body and do not usually last long.

Dr. Giana explained that these contractions are spaced, that is, they can happen one today and another in a few days or even several in the same day. The important thing is to know that they are not rhythmic and do not evolve into active labor.

Training contractions vs labor contractions

There are a number of differences between training contractions and labor contractions, check it out:

training contractions

• Uncomfortable, but painless: training contractions are “annoying” but do not cause pain. They recall the sensation of contraction of the uterus felt during menstrual cramps;
• They stop when you change positions: you realize they’re just training contractions when you roll over at bedtime or curl up on the couch when you’re sitting up and they go away;
• No increase in intensity: the discomfort is that and that’s it, it doesn’t get worse over time;
• Short duration: they happen in a spaced way and last less than 1 minute.

labor contractions

• Painful: labor contractions cause cramping-like pain, but much more intense;
• They don’t stop when you change your position: there’s no use changing your position when sleeping, not on the couch, not standing, not squatting… they are continuous;
• With increasing intensity: the degree of pain also increases between one contraction and another. The frequency and pain increase more and more until delivery takes place;
• Long duration: labor contractions can happen every 10 minutes, reducing the time between one and another, until the moment of delivery. That is, they have a well-marked frequency rhythm.

In addition to these types of contractions, Giana said that there are contractions called prodromes of labor. For her, this type of contraction still doesn’t have a rhythm, as in labor contractions, but they already generate some kind of pain, different from training contractions.

Tips for dealing with training contractions

Second to Dr. Giana Mendonça, “it is not necessary to do anything to deal with training contractions, because they do not generate pain. The important thing is to be informed to understand that the contraction is normal that can happen”. Prodrome contractions are more uncomfortable and generate some pain.

Although they are not rhythmic, Giana explained that “moving around, drinking fluids and trying to relax” are the best ways to deal with prodromes. Also, every body is a body, so it’s important not to compare yourself to other experiences.

A recent study (1) reported that many pregnant women confuse training contractions with labor contractions, which “generates more suffering, exhaustion and anguish, both in women and in their families”. This study and the gynecologist highlighted the importance of the guidance of a specialized professional to stay informed and calm about the stages of pregnancy.

Pregnancy is undoubtedly a unique moment in a woman’s life. Several doubts end up arising, so it never hurts to stay informed. Enjoy and also read about colic in pregnancy and understand your body better.