What it means
The uterus is a muscle, and in labor it tightens in waves that open (dilate) the cervix and push the baby down. Each contraction has a build-up, a peak and a letting-go, followed by a rest. Nurses describe contractions by frequency (from the start of one to the start of the next), duration (how long each lasts) and intensity (how strong). Practice contractions before true labor are called Braxton Hicks contractions.
For the nurse
Monitor contractions by touch on the top of the uterus (the fundus) or with an external monitor, and watch the fetal heart rate with them. Report contractions that come too close together or last too long, or a uterus that does not relax between them, especially with oxytocin running.
In a chart
"Contractions every 3 minutes, lasting 60 seconds, moderate to palpation; uterus relaxes between contractions."
At a glance
| Spanish | contracción uterina |
|---|---|
| Also written | uterine contractions |
Related terms
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
contraction
The tightening and shortening of a muscle.
epidural anesthesia
Pain relief or numbness from an anesthetic drug given through a thin catheter into the space just outside the covering of the spinal cord.