What it means
One of the measurements used to describe uterine contractionYOO-ter-in kun-TRAK-shunA tightening and then relaxing of the muscle of the uterus (womb), as happens during labor.Full entry , along with duration (from the start to the end of one contraction), intensity (how strong it is) and resting tone between contractions. Frequency is given in minutes, such as "every 3 minutes." Contractions usually come closer together as labor moves on. When more than five contractions come in 10 minutes, averaged across a 30-minute window, it is called tachysystole.
For the nurse
Measure from the moment one contraction starts to the moment the next one starts, either with the monitor or by feeling the top of the uterus with your fingertips. Teach clients in early labor how to time contractions at home.
In a chart
"Contractions every 2–3 minutes, lasting 60–70 seconds, strong by palpation."
At a glance
| Also written | frequency of contractions |
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Related terms
uterine contraction
A tightening and then relaxing of the muscle of the uterus (womb), as happens during labor.
contraction
The tightening and shortening of a muscle.
early deceleration
A gradual dip in the fetal heart rate that starts, bottoms out and ends at the same times as a uterine contraction.