![]() Baby Arrives! (by Eyal Lezmy): While this is still in beta testing, it’s a nice alternative to the very detailed, information-heavy apps previously mentioned. It also has the capability to email a spreadsheet version to anyone who needs to be kept in the loop – great for a partner, doula, and/or care provider.ģ. It automatically generates a simple graph for interpretation and allows users to add comments to logged contractions (ex. Contraction Timer (by James Ots): This sleek Android app helps to time the interval between contractions, as well as the duration. This is a common guideline for determining the onset of active labor and often a recommended time to consider heading to the hospital.)Ģ. ![]() (5-1-1, meaning contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting for about a minute, and this pattern has lasted at least an hour. Two bonuses to this app are that it’s compatible with Apple watches and allows you to enable a 5-1-1 alert. Full Term (by Mustansir Golawala): Available to both Android and Apple users, this app provides all of the standard interval and duration calculating capabilities plus includes a fetal kick counter, weight tracker and handy reference section. Here are three apps we recommend checking out to make timing easier.ġ. Chances are, though, you’ve got your phone handy, especially if you think labor may be imminent or occurring. (Duration is different.) Now, you can keep track with pen and paper. That gives you the true interval between contractions. When the next one begins, that’s when you stop the clock. Let it build, peak, come back down and – here’s the kicker- keep the clock running. To time contractions, start the clock at the onset of it. Then start counting from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.Timing contractions during labor may sound pretty straightforward, but if you’re not doing it properly, you could really throw yourself for a loop (and possibly disappointment if you’re excited about finally having that baby). You can even measure them easily with a calculator, instead of a clock or watch, to check how far you are into your labor. Unlike false contractions, true contractions get stronger, longer, and closer with time.Įxcept for some contractions that occur before the water breaking, you can be sure you are having labor contractions. However, the important distinguishing factor is progression. Some women actually feel they are going into labor due to these contractions (1). These false contractions are irregular and vary in intensity. ![]() It could be difficult to differentiate between true labor contractions and false contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, which occur in the weeks nearing childbirth. These series of contractions help the baby pass through the birth canal. The contractions tighten and thicken the upper part of the uterus (fundus) while stretching and relaxing the lower portion and cervix. They are periodic, each contraction is followed by a period of relaxation. They begin as cramps in the back and move along the abdomen in a wave-like manner. Labor contractions are periodic tightening and relaxing of uterine muscles, which are stimulated by the oxytocin hormone released by the pituitary gland.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |