These are signs of contractions – and this is how they feel
Senkwehen push the child into the correct position for birth. Sometimes they are also referred to as “pre-blows”. Find out here exactly when contractions occur and why and how you recognize them.
When and why do sinking contractions occur?
You usually get contractions in the last weeks before birth. They are therefore often referred to as “Vorwehen”. They push your child deeper into your pelvis so that he can take the right starting position for birth. Your belly lowers down with the baby. Your lungs have more space again and you can breathe better again. Even if you can eat more again, this may be a sign that your baby is slowly entering the pool.
If you are pregnant for the first time, the contractions occur about four to six weeks before birth. If you have already been pregnant, your child may slip into your pelvis just before birth. This is also quite normal.
Entry of the baby into the pelvis
Are contractions the same as exercise contractions?
Senkwehen must be distinguished fromexercise contractions. They are two differenttypes of labor, but they merge into each other. Exercise contractions are noticeable much earlier than contractions and can occur as early as the middle of pregnancy. What both have in common is that they do not open the cervix.
These are the signs
You can feel contractions in the last weeks before birth. The uterus slowly gets ready for childbirth and begins to contract every now and then. However, these muscle contractions do not yet open thecervix. But how can you distinguish them fromlabor pains? Contractions are irregular, often hours or whole days lie between contractions. In addition, they should not be very strong. When you relax, for example in a warm bath, they usually stop.
How do Senkwehen feel?
Contractions – as well as birth pangs – are perceived differently by every woman. Some pregnant women report contractions that feel like period pain, others suffer from back pain, a hardened stomach or feel a strong pull in the legs. Some expectant mothers do not notice their contractions at all.
Senkwehen or already birth pains?
If the contractions occur more regularly, i.e. more often than 3 to 4 times per hour or more than 10 contractions per day, then in all probability it is no longer a matter of contractions, butpremature labor. It is better to see your doctor immediately or contact your midwife.