Causes, signs and treatment of false labor during pregnancy

False contractions during pregnancy may appear immediately before the due date. They are characterized by the appearance of unpleasant symptoms in the lower abdomen. There is nothing scary in this process, this is, so to speak, preparation before real contractions and childbirth. It is important to understand that this is a false alarm and to be able to distinguish this condition from the real birth process.

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Causes of false contractions

False contractions can affect the strong blood flow to the placenta. They play a role in stimulating the muscles of the uterus to keep it in tone. In addition, they are actually responsible for the process of dilation of the cervix. One thing is for sure - they prepare the body of the expectant mother for the upcoming birth.

False contractions are also called Braxton Hicks contractions. They can appear regardless of external factors. However, there are some points that can provoke their development.

There are several most common reasons for this phenomenon. Thus, most often their development is provoked by an unhealthy lifestyle, especially a craving for bad habits. Excessive consumption of coffee, as well as products containing caffeine, make their negative contribution.

Dehydration of the body and a full bladder can provoke such a condition. Lack of nutrients in the body, as well as stress, lack of sleep - all this leads to premature contractions. Increased activity of the fetus and sex (orgasm) can affect the condition. But first of all, these are the physical activity of the pregnant woman and the activity of the fetus in the uterus. Thus, after exercise or a walk, a woman can feel contractions.

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Pathogenesis

The development and manifestation of Braxton Hicks contractions occurs at the beginning of the conception of the child. Formation in the body occurs in almost all women. They mainly occur in the area of the genitals. When favorable conditions are created for the child and its development, the placenta develops, through it gas exchange and metabolism between the child and the mother occurs.

The purpose of the restructuring is to prepare the cervix for future births. During the period of body changes, the woman will feel the contraction of the uterine muscles. At the moment of such contractions, the uterus matures and softens. Also, during contractions of the uterine muscles, the plug comes out, which manifests itself in the form of bloody discharge.

The tissues of the cervix and vagina should become elastic and stretchable, but strong and resistant to rupture. The cervix is located in the center of the vagina, becoming twice as short. The cervical canal, which connects the cavity of the uterus and vagina, opens slightly. The lumen of the cervix should be slightly open and easily passable, with a diameter of 2-2.5 cm. The baby's head drops as low as possible and presses tightly against the entrance to the small pelvis. More than one week is spent on such a significant restructuring of the body!

Symptoms of false contractions during pregnancy

Around the twentieth week of pregnancy, false contractions may appear. False contractions are mostly similar to real contractions. The difference between such contractions is their intensity and regularity. With false contractions, contractions of the uterus are felt lasting from a few seconds to two minutes.

The woman feels a feeling of compression in the abdomen - in the upper part, lower, sometimes - in the groin area. Such contractions occur irregularly, you can measure the time between them. This will allow you to navigate the general condition of the woman, and see how many contractions occur in one hour. The sensations can spread exclusively to one area. If real contractions are recorded, then they are characterized by unpleasant sensations in the lower back, and pain is also present. Gradually, the strength of false contractions decreases, and they disappear. The expectant mother begins to be bothered by unpleasant symptoms. There is discomfort in the uterus and lower abdomen. Contractions are irregular.

First signs

There are first signs by which it becomes immediately clear that false contractions have begun. You begin to feel a compression in the lower abdomen or groin, as well as in the upper part of the uterus. Discomfort is felt only in one part of the abdomen. Contractions can be irregular and occur several times a day, or a couple of times an hour. In some cases, their number is 6 contractions per 60 minutes. Discomfort is felt, but the contractions may be painless. There is no clear rhythm of what is happening. The intensity of contractions can decrease sharply.

It is quite easy to distinguish real contractions from false contractions. At the real beginning of the process, severe pain is felt. Contractions occur throughout the abdomen and the pain spreads to the lower back. Contractions are repeated every 15, 10, and then 5 minutes. There is an increasing intensity - 5 times per minute. Increased duration of contractions and the presence of other signs of the onset of labor (outpouring of amniotic fluid, discharge of the mucous plug, diarrhea, nagging pain in the lower spine).

Consequences

There are certain risk factors associated with this condition.

• Polyhydramnios - excess amniotic fluid in the expectant mother over 1500 ml. This condition is characterized by the presence of a large tummy, and its size does not correspond to the actual term. Acute - develops quickly and in the early stages of pregnancy. There is excessive development of the abdomen, shortness of breath appears, tension on the walls of the uterus occurs, severe pain occurs.
• Chronic - develops in the later stages of pregnancy, the development of symptoms occurs more slowly and is not as pronounced.
• Habitual miscarriage. Common causes leading to such a diagnosis are: genetic predisposition, anatomical features, hormones, the state of the expectant mother's immunity, and infections. Many diseases such as gonorrhea, rubella, syphilis, herpes, and even flu.
• Isthmic-cervical insufficiency. As a result of cervical trauma, the muscle tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which is less elastic and harder and more rigid. As a result, the cervix loses its ability to contract and stretch, and therefore it will not be able to hold the contents of the uterus.

There are also other consequences such as: the presence of chronic foci of infection, edema, hormonal disorders, immune disorders, multiple pregnancies, and the presence of a scar on the uterus.

Complications

The most severe complication is the termination of pregnancy at different stages, in some cases the termination may begin with the discharge of amniotic fluid, as well as without it. In many cases, isthmic-cervical insufficiency is accompanied by infection of the fetus due to the lack of a barrier from microorganisms in the form of a closed cervix and cervical mucus, which protects the uterine cavity and its contents from bacteria. Also, pregnancy complications can be caused by an excess of amniotic fluid.

This may be gestosis, which is a lesion of the placenta and blood vessels. Rhesus conflict is observed - agglutination occurs. During fetal maturation, the child's red blood cells carry the D-antigen, which meet with the red blood cells of the Rh-negative pregnant woman and stick together. Low hemoglobin - a lack of iron in the blood leads to disruption of the liver, protein production decreases, and water metabolism is disrupted. Headaches appear, preeclampsia and eclampsia occur, which is an indicator of termination of labor. Placental pathology is not excluded.

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Diagnosis of false contractions during pregnancy

Diagnostic methods are carried out exclusively by a doctor. It is enough to simply examine the patient and question her. It is desirable to have data on the course of pregnancy, on the period at which the woman is. It is necessary to know in what position the child is, and when the birth is planned.

The period of contractions is noted. It is important to know all the intervals between contractions and their regularity. The time interval between contractions is counted and special attention is paid to the discharge of amniotic fluid. The degree of maturity and dilation of the cervix is determined.

It is important to record the data on the fetal heart rate, they are necessary for monitoring the child's condition. In addition, the estimated gestational age is determined. All this together represents diagnostic measures to determine contractions and their reliability.

Tests

Throughout the pregnancy, the expectant mother must carefully monitor her health and especially her diet and lifestyle. She will have to visit the doctor several times and take various tests.

• The first visit to the obstetrician-gynecologist should be made no later than the 11th week. During this first visit, you need to register as pregnant and take the required tests. Tests for expectant mothers: general urine analysis; general blood analysis; Rh factor; take a blood test for HIV, syphilis; test for the presence of viral hepatitis B; smear for flora.
• The second visit to the doctor usually takes place at 12-13 weeks. When the time is right for the first ultrasound. Temperature, body weight, blood pressure, pulse are also measured and an external obstetric examination is carried out.
• At the third visit to the doctor at 19-21 weeks, a second ultrasound is done and indicators are taken, as well as tests. Urine analysis, protein test, blood test for HIV and double biochemical test.

At 24-25 weeks, a general blood test and a glucose tolerance test are taken. During subsequent visits to the obstetrician-gynecologist, the same examinations and tests are done as before.

Instrumental diagnostics

As stated above, the expectant mother will have to undergo an ultrasound examination. This is the only safe and informative method that allows monitoring the condition of the fetus in the womb.

In the early stages of pregnancy, ultrasound is done only for a number of reasons. Such as: pain in the lower abdomen during a delay and suspicion of pregnancy; vaginal bleeding; artificial insemination; exclusion of a non-developing pregnancy.

Visits to the doctor for ultrasound. At 12-13 weeks – the pregnancy period is determined for the baby itself. The heartbeat is counted perfectly, the fetus is quite active. At this stage, diagnostics are carried out regarding a possible termination of pregnancy. At 19-21 weeks – the weight and growth of the fetus are determined; the location, structure and thickness of the placenta; the amount of amniotic fluid; the presence of anomalies in the shape of the skull and other limbs. At 32 weeks – previously undetected problems in fetal development are determined; the location and maturity of the placenta; the condition of the fetus and blood circulation; the condition of the scars on the uterus is observed.

By the third visit to the ultrasound, the presentation of the fetus (breech or cephalic) is determined, since by this time the fetus has taken the position in which it will be born.

Differential diagnosis

In some cases, uterine activity is mistaken for real contractions; such activity is called false contractions. If a pregnant woman complains of pulling, painful pains in the lower abdomen, it makes sense to differentiate the diagnosis of false contractions from true contractions.

False contractions occur unevenly in strength and duration, painfulness, and are repeated at different intervals. With weak labor activity: contractions are regular, weak, equal in strength and duration. During this period of time, an external examination is performed, where the tone of the uterus is observed.

With such contractions, the pregnant woman may complain of painful and prolonged sensations in the lower abdomen. But the exclusion of the preliminary period in the expectant mother is made possible by the fact that the pain was relieved by intramuscular administration of the drug papaverine. In addition, within 6 hours (the normal duration of the preliminary period), and in the following hours, the onset of the first stage of labor did not occur, which confirms false contractions.

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Treatment of false contractions during pregnancy

If the pain lasts no more than 6 hours, then treatment is not applied in this case. When the process has a pathological course, obstetric sleep is prescribed. Much depends directly on the symptoms and how the woman feels.

Most often, treatment includes a number of basic measures. To reduce pain, antispasmodics are widely used, most often No-shpa. Vitamin therapy is often used. A woman can take special medicines for mothers and eat more fruits containing useful vitamins and microelements. These can be fruits, dairy products and vegetables.

It is recommended to set the position in bed so that the legs are slightly raised. This will remove the mechanical impact of the fetus on the lower segment of the uterus, which irritates the receptors and promotes increased tone and contractility of the uterus.

Physiotherapy is also often used. In case of severe overexcitation of the woman, preference is given to sedatives. It is advisable to take herbal teas, valerian and motherwort, but only in tablets! Immunotherapy is widely used and placental insufficiency is prevented.

Medicines

Medication for pregnant women requires a special and thoughtful approach. Many medications have a negative effect on the fetus and the course of pregnancy. A few weeks before the birth, false contractions become increasingly painful and cause even more discomfort.

In case of painful sensations, many doctors prescribe No-shpa on an individual basis. It is a safe drug for the expectant mother and child, it acts quickly and effectively. Taking this drug reduces uterine tension and relieves spasms, thereby relieving pain during false contractions. However, No-shpa is not taken during the entire pregnancy cycle, since there is a possibility of dilation of the cervix. Before taking it, you need to consult a doctor.

• No-shpa. This remedy will relieve spasms and thus protect a woman from false contractions. It is enough to take it 2 times a day, 2 tablets. The exact dosage can be prescribed by the attending physician. Contraindications: hypersensitivity, impaired liver and kidney function. Side effects: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, allergic reactions.
• If the expectant mother has an excess of male sex hormones and there is a risk of miscarriage, Dexamethasone is prescribed. The drug should be taken with caution and only on the recommendation of a doctor, taking into account all the side effects.
• Dexamethasone. In the acute period, it is used in increased doses. The dosage regimen is individual. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. Side effects: well tolerated, can cause only allergic reactions.

For hormonal development to accelerate lung development, betamethasone is prescribed. The doctor prescribes the dosage and regimen of the drug individually, taking into account the side effects.

Betamethasone. The drug is used in a small dose, it can be 0.25-0.5 mg. The duration of treatment is prescribed by a specialist. Contraindications: hypertension, syphilis, diabetes mellitus, systemic mycoses. Side effects: weight gain, insomnia, menstrual irregularities.

Folk remedies

During pregnancy, a woman experiences pain during false contractions. There are several methods to ease these unpleasant sensations and relieve discomfort.

You can simply drink a glass of warm water or milk. This will significantly reduce discomfort and improve your condition. A warm shower will help cope with unpleasant symptoms. In no case should you take a bath! It is recommended to visit the pool to strengthen muscles and improve your health.

You should not resort to the help of any tinctures or decoctions. First, you need to see a doctor, and then use certain methods to improve the condition.

Sometimes it is enough to relax and lie quietly for a few minutes.

During false contractions, the expectant mother has a good opportunity to practice proper breathing and choosing a comfortable position, which she will soon need when labor begins.

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Herbal treatment

Many herbs are useful during pregnancy and have a number of useful and beneficial properties for the expectant mother and her baby. However, some will need to be abandoned, because there is a risk of provoking a miscarriage.

During pregnancy, a woman may experience false contractions. It is recommended to treat this condition with herbs. Harmless herbs for eliminating colds are: primrose, coltsfoot, linden blossom, altai root, rose hips, burdock and others.

It is strictly not recommended to drink alcohol tinctures, it is better to pour boiling water over the herbs and let them brew for a certain time. Consumption of such tinctures should be agreed upon with a doctor.

Plants that have a laxative effect should not be taken during pregnancy, due to miscarriage and premature birth. These are plants such as: cassia, aloe, buckthorn.

Other folk remedies to avoid: neem, hyssop, basil, turmeric, sumac.

These are not all the types of herbs that you should be careful of during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor before using a folk remedy.

Homeopathy

During pregnancy, a woman's health level decreases, so various disorders may occur. Such as false contractions, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain and back pain, eating and nervous disorders, etc. Homeopathy during pregnancy is much better than conventional medicine. One of the advantages of homeopathy is that it is harmless to the pregnant woman and her fetus, does not cause allergies and does not contain chemicals. The doctor should not only prescribe medications to the expectant mother, but also explain to her everything that she feels, everything the child experiences. After all, the fetus in the womb feels all the effects on the mother's body from the time of conception. It is important that the pregnancy takes place in an atmosphere of calm and happiness.

Taking homeopathic medicines during pregnancy can be done at any stage. This is especially true for the first 3 months of pregnancy, where the risk of miscarriage is very high, doctors prescribe such medicines: Arnica, Sabina, Chamomilla, etc. The homeopathic medicine should be taken in small doses, acting on the body with a positive effect. However, if the medicine is taken in large doses, there will be a deterioration.

Prevention

Expectant mothers are prescribed homeopathic medicines before and during pregnancy, depending on the state of the body. Taking homeopathic medicines during pregnancy plays a role in the prevention of various diseases in the newborn. Homeopathic treatment also helps in the recovery of expectant parents, thereby producing a healthier child. A man with oligospermia and spermatogenesis disorders can undergo prophylaxis with homeopathic medicines, improving the quality and quantity of sperm. A girl can undergo prophylaxis for various types of infertility. Also, a girl who has had miscarriages is prescribed a homeopathic remedy (Aconite, Secale, Sabina, etc.) and only as prescribed by a doctor. The drug is taken throughout pregnancy 3 times a day until the 16th week. Depending on the state of the body, the doctor may prescribe other treatment. In the homeopathy database, there are more than 100 drugs for the treatment of this problem.

For the prevention and treatment of false contractions, the drug should be taken once an hour until the pain disappears. To improve the condition, rest and bed rest are required in all cases. The most common drugs: Cimicifuga - for sharp pains in the abdomen; Caulophyllum - especially taken in the last weeks of pregnancy and prepares the cervix for childbirth.

Forecast

False contractions prepare the body of the expectant mother for the most important day of pregnancy. They can appear both at 20 weeks and until the end of pregnancy. The treatment methods described above are intended to improve the condition and relieve discomfort. If the treatment is effective, a decrease in pain is observed in the pregnant woman during uterine contractions.

Self-administration of medications and treatment with folk remedies is prohibited. Treatment and prevention are established only on the recommendations and advice of a doctor. If complications or diseases occur during pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Around week 36, many people start listening to their bodies. At week 38, the pregnancy is considered full-term; the baby is usually born during this week. If labor has not started by week 41, you need to be hospitalized.

ICD-10 code

A woman's body undergoes a complete restructuring during the period of bearing a child, and it is false contractions that prepare and train the expectant mother for childbirth. False contractions are contractions of the muscles of the cervix. Such contractions are not accompanied by pain, but after a while they become noticeable and cause slight discomfort.

Even this condition has its own designation. False contractions are also marked by the international classification of diseases. Thanks to this, it is much easier to classify the true condition of a woman.

Codes of the international classification of diseases: False contractions are divided into: (O47.0) False contractions occurring before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, (O47.1) false contractions after 37 completed weeks of pregnancy and O47.9 False contractions, unspecified. There are no exceptions here. This condition was marked with a code for convenience. Because the fact of the presence of false contractions should be noted in the maternity card.