Contractions but not pregnant

Sharp stomach pain that comes and goes: 10 causes

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Sharp stomach pain can leave a person doubled over or briefly unable to move. When the pain eases, anxiety about the next wave of pain can build up.

Sharp stomach pain is common and not usually a sign of a serious medical problem. Even when there is a serious underlying cause, prompt treatment can ease the pain and prevent serious complications.

In this article, learn about the causes of sharp stomach pain that comes and goes, as well as when to see a doctor.

It is difficult to diagnose the cause of sharp, inconsistent stomach pain based on that symptom alone. Taking note of other symptoms and possible contributing factors is important.

Some causes of sharp stomach pain that comes and goes include:

1. Gas

Share on PinterestGas is a common problem that usually subsides by itself.

Gas and bloating are very common problems. They tend to be cyclical.

Although gas does not cause long-term harm, the pain can range from dull and mild to sharp and severe. It may get steadily worse over several minutes, then get better, only to grow worse again.

Numerous issues can cause gas, including:

indigestion
stomach viruses
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
swallowing too much air
food sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance

Over-the-counter (OTC) gas remedies often help reduce this pain. A range of gas remedies is available for purchase online. Some people also find relief from heating pads or a gentle stomach massage.

People who frequently experience severe gas pain should see a doctor, who can help diagnose any underlying issues and give advice about how to reduce symptoms.

2. Stomach viruses

Stomach viruses, such as norovirus, cause intense cramping that may come and go. The cramping usually precedes vomiting, which offers temporary relief.

Symptoms of stomach viruses can last for a few days. Some people also develop a fever or muscle aches.

Stomach viruses usually clear in a few days, without medical treatment. It is crucial to drink lots of water during this time. If symptoms get worse or a person seems dehydrated, call a doctor.

3. Muscle pain and injuries

Muscle overuse, a sedentary lifestyle, and trauma from falling or other injuries can cause pain in the abdominal or back muscles. These injuries can cause pain that comes and goes.

Pain that appears only in certain positions, while lifting, or after exercise could be a sign of a muscle injury.

A muscle injury is not a medical emergency. Most people can treat muscle injuries at home with rest, hot and cold packs, and gentle massage. Ice packs for pain relief are available for purchase online.

If home treatment does not work or the pain is very intense, it is best to see a doctor.

4. Liver and gallbladder issues

Pain in the upper right stomach that comes and goes could signal a problem with the gallbladder, such as gallstones.

Gallstones can block the ducts of the gallbladder, making digestion more difficult. This causes pain shortly after eating, especially after very fatty meals. People with gallstones may notice that the pain appears a few hours after eating, lasts for 4–6 hours, and then disappears.

Gallstones sometimes pass on their own. If they do not, they can block the biliary ducts, which can affect liver function. Untreated gallstones may also cause problems with the pancreas.

If a person experiences vomiting, pale stool, or a fever along with symptoms of gallstones, they should seek emergency medical treatment.

Otherwise, see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Home treatment is not effective for gallstones.

5. Digestive disorders

Share on PinterestA person who regularly experiences sharp stomach pain after eating may have a digestive disorder.

A wide range of digestive disorders can cause periodic sharp pain in the stomach. In most cases, the pain gets worse shortly after a meal, as the body works to digest food.

Some potential culprits include:

IBS
inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn’s or colitis
food sensitivities
celiac disease

These digestive disorders can be intensely painful, but they do not usually constitute a medical emergency.

Keeping a food log can help a doctor diagnose the problem and provide a treatment plan. Pain medication, heating pads, and rest may also help in the short term. Pain medication is available for purchase over the counter or online.

6. Ulcers

An ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or intestine. Causes of ulcers include:

long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
a Helicobacter pylori infection
noncancerous stomach growths

People with ulcers typically experience a sharp, burning sensation in the stomach. The burning may travel up the chest and into the mouth or throat, causing heartburn or indigestion.

Symptoms are usually worse after a large or very acidic meal. The pain may come and go. A person may notice no symptoms for several months, then find that symptoms get steadily worse.

Antacids may help. A range of brands are available over the counter or online. A doctor can also prescribe medication to treat the pain.

7. Menstrual cramps

Menstrual cramps can feel sharp or dull. They may affect just one area of the abdomen or spread to the back and legs. Some people also experience diarrhea or nausea.

Menstrual cramps may occur during or right before a period. They typically come in waves, getting better and worse again throughout the day.

A heating pad, OTC pain relievers, and gentle stretching can help relieve menstrual pain. Heating pads for pain relief are available for purchase online.

Menstrual cramps are not dangerous, but severe camps can make daily life difficult. A person should see a doctor if menstrual cramps are severe, have gotten worse, or interfere with work or school.

8. Ovarian cysts

Cysts in the ovaries are common and usually harmless. Most people do not even realize that they have them. Many ovarian cysts form after ovulation, then disappear a few months later.

Sometimes, ovarian cysts can cause intermittent pain. The pain from an ovarian cyst is often low in the abdomen and on just one side. It may be worse during specific times of the menstrual cycle.

If a person suspects that they have a painful ovarian cyst, they may wish to speak to a doctor. The doctor can diagnose a cyst using imaging tests.

OTC pain medication and applying warm compresses can help relieve the pain.

Sudden, intense pain in the lower pelvis may be a sign of ovarian torsion, which is when the ovary twists. This is sometimes a complication of a cyst.

Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency. Without treatment, it can cause severe internal bleeding, damage to the ovary, or an infection.

9. Ovulation

During ovulation, an egg ruptures from its follicle in the ovary and enters the fallopian tube. Some people experience ovulation pain, or mittelschmerz, which a brief pain around ovulation.

Pain that occurs monthly toward the middle of the menstrual cycle may be ovulation pain. Ovulation pain is not dangerous and can even be a helpful fertility cue if the person is trying to conceive.

10. Labor or Braxton-Hicks contractions

Share on PinterestSharp stomach pains in late pregnancy may indicate that labor is starting.

In pregnant women, sharp abdominal pain may indicate labor or Braxton-Hicks contractions.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are common and are sometimes called “false labor,’ as they may feel like real contractions.

They are often irregular or appear only at certain times, such as if a woman is dehydrated.

By contrast, labor contractions get progressively more intense. Signs that a woman is in labor include:

a discernible pattern to the contractions
contractions that get closer together
bleeding or discharge from the vagina
pain that begins at the top of the uterus

Call a doctor or midwife at any signs of labor, especially if the pregnancy has not reached full term.

Many causes of intermittent stomach pain, such as ovulation pain, do not require treatment. Others, such as food sensitivities, are not medical emergencies.

It can be difficult to decide when to see a doctor and when to wait, so it is important to pay attention to any additional symptoms. Seek medical care for severe pain or pain that gets worse with time.

Speak to a doctor about:

unexplained stomach pain that gets steadily worse over time
worsening menstrual cramps or cramps that are regularly severe
worsening digestive symptoms
symptoms of an ulcer or a digestive disorder
occasional, mild pain in the upper right abdomen

Symptoms that may require emergency medical attention include:

intense stomach pain during pregnancy
symptoms of premature labor
intense pain in the upper right abdomen
bloody diarrhea
vomiting and symptoms of dehydration, such as sunken eyes or dry lips
sudden, intense, unexplained abdominal pain

Sharp, intermittent stomach pain is difficult to ignore, especially when it occurs with other symptoms.

Although many causes of this pain are not harmful, others can lead to severe complications. If a person is unsure about their stomach pain, it is best to speak with a doctor.

It is almost impossible to diagnose the cause of stomach pain based on symptoms alone. A doctor may perform imaging scans, ask about a person’s medical history, or examine the stomach to get the right diagnosis.

Prompt treatment can reduce or relieve pain and prevent complications in most cases.

Contractions But Not Pregnant? | 15 Causes Of Contractions

Are you having contractions but not pregnant?

You know contractions occur during labour, when the uterus opens the cervix and pushes the baby down.

But what is going on when you’re feeling contractions and not pregnant?

You might have all the signs of getting your period – like moodiness, tiredness and bloating – but except for cramps there’s no bleeding.

First of all, don’t panic. If you’ve done a pregnancy test (or ten) and you’re definitely not pregnant, read on. There’s a whole list of reasons why you’re having contractions but aren’t pregnant.

Can you get contractions if not pregnant?

If you have contractions and aren’t pregnant you might wonder if this is normal?

You may only associate contractions with labour and birth. But you can get contractions if you’re not pregnant.

What causes the uterus to contract when not pregnant?

Throughout your life, your uterus will contract whether you’re pregnant or not.

These contractions happen as a normal part of your reproductive cycle.

Contractions of the uterus due to orgasm may help to assist the passage of sperm toward the waiting egg, according to this study.

Cramps or contractions of the uterus are a common experience before and during your period. These contractions help to expel the uterus lining that has thickened during your menstrual cycle in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

Why do I have cramps that feel like contractions?

The uterus is basically a big muscle. When you feel a cramp, it’s actually a tightening or contraction of a muscle. These contractions can be mild and short, or strong and long lasting.

Here are 15 reasons why you might have cramps or contractions but not be pregnant.

#1. Anovulation

Your body hasn’t released an egg that month but it still goes the hormone changes linked to premenstrual syndrome. This is called an anovulatory cycle. Because no egg was released, you won’t actually have your period, but you may feel cramping.

Anovulation occurs in about 20% of cycles and is random but can be related to other issues such as losing weight or perimenopause. If you have three anovulatory cycles in a row you should seek the advice of your healthcare provider.

#2. Birth control

A common side effect of hormonal birth control is missed or lighter periods. You may still experience contractions of the uterus as premenstrual hormone changes occur and your uterus expels any lining.

#3. Thyroid conditions

Your thyroid regulates many of your body’s functions including your menstrual cycle. If your thyroid function is disrupted this can make your cycles irregular. You might have long stretches of time without a period but still have uterine contractions while not pregnant.

#4. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a condition caused by an excess of androgens, chemicals that affect your ovary function. PCOS can cause frequently skipped periods, anovulatory cycles, ovarian cysts and irregular spotting. Any of these issues can cause you to feel cramping and contractions without being pregnant.

#5. Ovarian cysts

Each month your ovaries make one or several cysts to prepare for ovulation. These are called follicles. Sometimes the follicle doesn’t open and the fluid becomes a follicular cyst. You might also have cysts related to PCOS.

Most ovarian cysts don’t cause symptoms but can trigger period-like cramping even though you don’t have your period. Ovarian cysts can grow quite large and cause the ovary to twist (torsion), which is quite painful and needs surgery.

#6. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when tissue normally growing inside your uterus ends up outside of it. Generally it will grow in the pelvic area and cause very severe cramping. These contractions can happen weeks before your period and also for days after. You may have very few pain-free days through your cycle.

Find out more about endometriosis and how to treat it.

#7. Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a common gynaecological condition, very similar to endometriosis. However adenomyosis is only found within the uterus, and not anywhere else in the body. The symptoms are more likely to involve heavy bleeding (some women experience flooding) and blood clots. Some women with adenomyosis also experience cramps so intense, they describe them as being like labor contractions.

Find out more about adenomyosis.

#8. Ovarian pain (Mittelschmerz)

Abdominal contractions but not pregnant because it’s the middle of your menstrual cycle? You might be one of the 20% of women who experience ovulation pain. Called mittelscherz (German for ‘middle pain’) this pain happens when you ovulate.

Mittelschmerz is generally considered normal and doesn’t indicate there’s anything wrong. That being said, painful ovulation is not normal. If the pain is enough to need painkillers or if it interferes with your day, be sure to read our article about the most common causes of ovulation pain. If you have severe pain, especially with signs of infection, seek medical as soon as possible. Get a referral to see a specialist, not a general doctor who doesn’t have enough training to find or treat the underlying cause.

#9. Over exercising

Exercise is a great way to help you deal with any symptoms of PMS. But working out too hard or too frequently can mess up your cycle, and even cause you to miss your period.

Over exercising can cause physical stress to your body, especially if you drop a lot of weight. When you skip a period due to physical stress, it causes abnormal changes to your hormones. This can cause you to have cramping with no period.

#10. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Infection of the reproductive system, such as uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes, is called pelvic inflammatory disease. These infections are usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases.

If you’re feeling contractions but aren’t pregnant, it’s worth checking with your healthcare provider for a possible PID, especially between new sexual partners.

#11. Ovarian cancer

While ovarian cancer is rare, affecting about 22,000 women each year in the US, it’s one of the most deadly cancers for women due to its silent or subtle symptoms. Experiencing bloating and abdominal contractions but not being pregnant can be possible signs of ovarian cancer, along with weight loss and urinary problems. Always seek medical advice if you have concerns.

#12. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Stomach contractions when not pregnant is a common complaint for women who have irritable bowel syndrome. IBS is usually diagnosed when you have recurring abdominal pain and changes to your bowel habits over several months, such as constipation or diarrhea.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term used for different autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These cause chronic inflammation of your digestive tract and cramping and pain.

#13. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections are often caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. Often UTIs cause pain and burning when you wee, frequency and urgency of urination, and sometimes cloudy or smelly urine.

Another common sign of a UTI is cramping in the pelvic area. Both UTIs and thrush have similar treatments. Find out more in our article about thrush and UTIs.

#14. Indigestion or intolerances

If you’re sensitive or intolerant to certain foods, you may experience bloating and cramping not dissimilar to those you get when your period is due.

It can help to keep a diary of foods you eat for a few weeks to see if you can spot a pattern between certain foods and cramping. Always talk to your healthcare provider if you suspect a food intolerance or sensitivity.

#15. Interstitial cystitis

This is a bladder syndrome that causes cramping or abdominal contractions when not pregnant. It’s not known what causes interstitial cystitis but seems to be related to infection, allergy or an autoimmune reaction.

How to distinguish real contractions from training ones?

Shemyakina Natalya Nikolaevna, head of the obstetric department of the Leleka maternity hospital will help you figure it out.

Training contractions, or as they are also called, fake, or Braxton-Hicks contractions, are irregular contractions that do not have increasing intensity. The uterus may tone up, but normally, it should pass quickly.

For example, the tone appeared once in half an hour and the uterus relaxed rather quickly. Then the tone reappeared only after two hours and again passed. These are training contractions, they do not increase in intensity and do not become more frequent.

Training bouts are physiologically provided by our body. So the uterus is preparing to do the hard work in the process of childbirth. Normally, training contractions appear in terms of pregnancy close to childbirth - from the 37th week of pregnancy.

The appearance of training contractions in the early stages of pregnancy is not the norm

The uterus can tone up with an active lifestyle, physical activity, with a change in body position, but this tone should quickly pass. Normally, the uterus should not often come into tone. And even more so, contractions, as such, should not be until the 37th week of pregnancy.
Braxton Hicks contractions in the early stages are a threat of preterm labor. If a woman has contractions periodically during the day: after an hour, after 2, then again after an hour, (even if they are not regular), for periods up to 37 weeks, such a tone should alert the expectant mother.
Because this is not the norm, but the threat of premature birth. This is an occasion to contact a specialist and change your rhythm of life, put on a bandage. The causes of premature birth are most often internal, caused by hormonal disorders and a violation of the physical health of a woman. But significant physical activity and stress can also cause premature birth.

Labor pains

Unlike training contractions, labor pains are regular. The uterus comes to tone first once every 15 minutes, and after a while - once every 7-10 minutes. Contractions gradually become more frequent, longer and stronger. And already occur every 5 minutes, then 3 and finally every 2 minutes.

True labor pains are contractions every 2 minutes, 40 seconds. If within an hour or two the contractions intensify - pains that begin in the lower abdomen or in the lower back and spread to the stomach - most likely, these are real labor pains.

Training contractions are NOT so much painful as unusual for a woman. When the expectant mother sees how the stomach comes into tone, its shape changes and it becomes dense, like an inflated ball. This might scare you a little. But a woman must understand that in real, labor pains, there must be a clear periodicity, intensification and acceleration over a certain period of time. Real fights never stop, but practice fights do. The uterus then comes to tone, then relaxes.
Women often confuse contractions with tone, which is caused by other physiological processes in the body. For example, increased intestinal peristalsis, intestinal infections, colic, etc.

What else should alert a woman?! If within an hour or two the uterus periodically comes into tone and mucous, bloody (streaked with blood or brown) discharge appears, then most likely there are structural changes in the cervix - it opens. Also an important sign to seek help is the discharge of the mucous plug long before childbirth. Her departure in terms of childbirth, a week or two before childbirth is normal.

Tracking labor pains

There are several methods for determining the types of contractions. A woman can do this herself, writing down the frequency and duration of contractions on paper or tracking them using special programs for a computer and phone. Or you can contact a doctor at antenatal clinic or at the maternity hospital, where a specialist will conduct fetal monitoring (fetal CTG). With the help of 2 sensors, the fetal heartbeat, uterine contractions are monitored and it is determined whether these are training contractions or labor.

When should I go to the maternity hospital?

If within an hour or two there is an increase and intensification of pain, its intensity increases, the frequency of contractions is clear and regular, you can go to the maternity hospital. A woman can make a mistake, but it’s better to come and make sure for sure whether these are labor or training contractions.

If the amniotic fluid breaks, you can slowly pack up and go to the maternity hospital. Since, normally, after this labor activity should begin.

The main thing is that a woman should not panic. The latent phase of labor can last 8-10 hours until the cervix is fully dilated. Labor activity does not proceed in 30 seconds. In the process of labor, the cervix of the uterus in women giving birth for the first time opens about 1 cm in an hour. She needs to open up to 10 cm, that is, a woman has about 10:00 by the time the baby is born.

Happy pregnancy and childbirth!

false or real / “Waiting for a baby”

February

Shortly before the birth, the expectant mother may be disturbed by training contractions, rhythmic contractions of the uterus, which quickly pass and appear occasionally. How to distinguish them from real contractions, and why they are needed, we will try to find out.

The phenomenon of temporary contractions was first described by the English doctor John Braxton Hicks. That is why they are called - Braxton Hicks contractions or false, training contractions, precursor contractions. In his scientific work of 1872, he argued that these contractions are short-term (from half a minute to 2 minutes) contractions of the muscles of the uterus, which are felt by a pregnant woman as an increase in the tone of the uterus. They appear after the 20th week of pregnancy. And during the day they happen often, but the expectant mother in the daytime may not even notice them. However, as time goes on, they intensify, becoming more and more obvious.

WHAT FALSE PARTS ARE FOR

The uterus is a muscular organ. And like any muscle that has to perform the work allotted to it in the body, it needs training. After all, if she hangs for all forty weeks like a bag, she will not cope with the load in childbirth. Thus, the purpose of training or false contractions is to prepare the uterus and cervix for childbirth. That is why one of the names of training bouts is contractions harbingers - harbingers of an approaching birth.

ARE FALSE PARTS PAINFUL

As a rule, false contractions are painless, but with increasing duration they become more noticeable and bring more discomfort. However, in all women, they manifest themselves in different ways, someone does not feel them at all, and someone does not sleep at night, tossing and turning and trying to find a comfortable position for sleeping. It all depends on the pain threshold. The main thing in this situation is to stop being nervous about this and calm yourself with the thought that such training is necessary for the most important upcoming event - the birth of your crumbs. And to calm down a little and sleep better, ask your doctor to prescribe a sedative for you and get a special pillow for expectant and nursing mothers. With her, falling asleep and experiencing the discomfort of the last weeks of pregnancy will be much easier!

HOW TO LIVE WITH FREQUENT PARTS

Some moms-to-be complain that they have frequent Braxton Hicks contractions and cause significant discomfort, even when they are doing housework or other light physical activities. In such a situation, obstetricians are advised to lie down or vice versa, take an easy walk, in any case, change the type of activity. If training contractions bother you a lot, it is recommended to drink a glass of water, juice or herbal tea, calm down and get some rest. Ask someone close to give you a massage. Lie in silence. And to also benefit from training fights, try doing breathing exercises: practice breathing techniques in childbirth in practice.

HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE TRAINING FROM BIRTH BRIPS

The most important thing to understand is that real contractions are much more painful than Braxton Hicks contractions. You will understand it right away. In addition, the contractions that bring you closer to childbirth are more regular. The contractions begin in the lower back, spread to the front of the abdomen, and occur every 10 minutes (or more than 5 contractions per hour). Then they occur with an interval of about 30-70 seconds and over time the intervals between them are reduced. Some women describe the sensations of labor pains as severe menstrual cramps, or sensations during diarrhea, when the pain rolls in waves in the abdomen. These contractions, unlike false ones, continue even after a change in position and when walking, constantly intensifying. As soon as you feel all these symptoms, call your ob-gyn - hour X has arrived. If in doubt, also do not be afraid to disturb the doctor. The doctor will ask you a few questions that will help him determine the type of contractions and eliminate all your doubts and worries. After all, it is always better to consult a doctor and trust his professional experience.

You should seek help if:

• you have more than four contractions an hour and they happen regularly
• contractions are accompanied by pain in the lower spine
• contractions are accompanied by watery or bloody vaginal discharge
• the contractions are so strong that it is very difficult for you to endure them
• there is a marked change in the child's movement, or less than 10 movements every 2 hours
• you think your waters have started to break

Alla Misyutina, Medical Consultant, Independent Laboratory INVITRO

Dear women, during labor, the body needs a lot of oxygen, so proper breathing is very important. A large influx of oxygen into the blood of mother and baby alleviates the condition of the crumbs, which during childbirth experiences oxygen starvation. Special breathing techniques help to properly open the birth canal and make contractions and attempts as effective as possible.

Different types of breathing should be used at different stages of labor.

• During "false" contractions, breathing should be deep and slow. During the period when the contractions become more intense, it is necessary to use "pain-relieving breathing". This breathing is slow, deep, the inhalation is done through the nose, it should be longer than the exhalation through the mouth. More details: inhale is done at the expense of 1-2-3-4, and exhale - at the expense of 1-2-3-4-5-6. With the help of such breathing: mom relaxes, distracts from pain, focuses on the score; the baby receives as much as possible, so he needs oxygen.
• In breaks from contractions, you need to rest and breathe evenly without any effort, so that you can then easily follow the doctor's recommendations.
• During attempts, you need to exhale all the air from the lungs, then take a deep breath and push for up to 6-9 seconds. Quickly exhale all the air, quickly take a deep breath and again hold your breath for 6-9 seconds, and so on - about three times per attempt.
• In breaks from attempts to rest and breathe deeply, evenly and relaxed.
• It is very important to only push on the perineum and never push on the head. In this case, all efforts are wasted and will appear in the form of burst vessels in the eyes and on the face.
• In the period after the birth of the head, it is necessary to stop pushing and breathing shallowly, some call this breathing “dog-like”, deep breathing can harm both mom and baby. Then everything goes on as usual, the main thing is to obey the doctor.
• After the baby was born, within half an hour the last stage of labor begins - the birth of the placenta. Special breathing is no longer required, at the doctor's command, push a little into the perineum and EVERYTHING! Dear women, pain during childbirth is good, it means that your baby will be born soon. There is no need to resist the pain, this is a mistake that brings a woman and a child nothing but fatigue. On the contrary, it is necessary to concentrate and help in every possible way to give birth to a healthy baby.

BIRTH PASSES

So, you have decided that this is no longer a “teaching”, but the beginning of childbirth. In addition to contractions, the onset of labor can be indicated by the outflow of amniotic fluid and the passage of a mucous plug that closes the lumen of the cervix. The mucous plug can also come off 2-3 days before delivery. However, her departure does not always mean that it is time to go to the hospital. During pregnancy, the cervix is tightly closed. With the onset of labor pains, its opening begins: the cervix gradually expands to 10-12 cm in diameter (full disclosure). The birth canal is preparing to "release" the child from the womb. Intrauterine pressure increases during contractions as the uterus shrinks. And in the end, this leads to a rupture of the fetal bladder and the outflow of part of the amniotic fluid.

The first, preparatory, period of labor for women giving birth for the first time takes an average of 12 hours, and 2-4 hours less for those who have second births. At the beginning of the second stage of labor, contractions join the contractions - contractions of the muscles of the abdominal wall and diaphragm. In addition to the fact that different muscle groups are involved in contractions and attempts, they have one more important difference: contractions are an involuntary and uncontrollable phenomenon, neither their strength nor frequency depend on the woman in labor, while attempts to a certain extent obey her will , it can delay or strengthen them. Therefore, at this stage of childbirth, a lot depends on the expectant mother and her ability to quickly and correctly follow the commands of the obstetrician taking delivery. And most importantly - to tune in correctly and not allow panic and thoughts about something bad. Obstetricians and gynecologists recommend that mothers perceive childbirth as a holiday, a baby's birthday.