Why does the uterus contract?

Generally, only women will feel uterine contractions during pregnancy, and uterine contractions are closely related to a woman’s pregnancy status. As a woman's pregnancy progresses, the symptom of uterine contractions will become more and more obvious, because uterine contractions are closely related to the healthy growth of the baby in the mother's belly. However, there is also a type of uterine contraction that may cause miscarriage. Today I will introduce to female friends the causes of uterine contractions.

What causes uterine contractions?

1. Physiological reasons

This situation may occur in pregnant women who are 12 to 14 weeks pregnant, and they may feel their abdomen tightening. As pregnancy progresses, the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions also increase, but generally without regularity.

2. Pathological causes

This is mainly due to miscarriage or premature birth. The intensity of uterine contractions during pregnancy can be particularly strong, and pregnant women may feel pain at this time. If the uterine contractions are caused by miscarriage, they may also be accompanied by bleeding. However, if the uterine contractions are caused by premature birth, there will be a certain pattern.

3. Other reasons

When a pregnant woman's abdomen is hit, the pain and shock will cause a decrease in blood supply to the uterus, resulting in uterine contractions; when a pregnant woman's abdomen is compressed, the uterus will become congested, resulting in uterine contractions.

Causes of poor uterine contraction

1. Mental factors: Some mothers have concerns about childbirth and are overly nervous. Some mothers also over-expenditure their physical energy, causing fatigue, and then poor uterine contraction.

2. Physical and endocrine factors: Women who are overweight and have short torsos; insufficient or imbalanced secretion of hormones, oxytocin, and prostaglandins in late pregnancy can also lead to poor uterine contractions.

3. Uterine factors: If a woman has hypoplastic uterus, uterine malformation, excessive uterine expansion; or has excessive amniotic fluid, macrosomia, or abortion; or suffers from some gynecological diseases, such as uterine fibroids, fallopian tube obstruction, etc., it will also cause poor uterine contraction.

4. Influence of drugs: If a mother uses excessive sedatives during labor, uterine contractions will be restricted, which may also cause the uterus to contract poorly in the later stages.

What to do if the uterus does not contract well

1. Continue breastfeeding

Some mothers may not understand what is the relationship between poor uterine contraction, postpartum hemorrhage and breastfeeding? In fact, insisting on breastfeeding can stimulate the rich nerve endings on women's nipples and areolas. This will then promote the uterine muscles and accelerate the recovery of the uterus.

2. Postpartum massage

After delivery, the mother can gently massage her lower abdomen with her hands. Abdominal massage can stimulate the uterine muscles and promote the recovery of the uterus.

3. Seek medical attention promptly

If the uterus does not contract well and the situation is serious, for example, the postpartum lochia has a strong odor and lasts for a long time. Therefore, it is recommended that the mother go to the hospital for medical treatment as soon as possible.