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Posted on March 24, 2007 by C. Beier, M.S. | Posted under Pregnancy
A Labor Contraction - Friend or Foe?
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All muscular contractions in the body can be described in the same terms: the tensing and releasing of a muscle or muscle group. In terms of childbirth, a labor contraction is the tensing and subsequent releasing of the uterus that acts to open and efface the cervix, thus allowing the baby to be born. The uterus is constructed of a horizontal and vertical layer of muscle fibers. During a contraction, the vertical fibers pull the uterus up while the horizontal fibers work to push the baby down and out the birth path. So, if a labor contraction is the tensing and releasing of a muscle, why should it be painful when other types of muscular contractions, like making a fist or smiling aren't painful? While comparing a labor contraction to smiling may seem ludicrous, the principles involved are the same. They are both examples of muscular contractions. But why is a contraction painful while smiling is effortless? The difference lies in a person's expectations. When we smile, we don't expect to experience pain. When many women feel the first inklings of a contraction, they anticipate pain and as a result, they tense their bodies. Thus, pain is created. This body-wide tension prohibits the labor contraction from effectively opening and effacing the cervix. The contraction must instead push against a tense cervix that acts similar to a brick wall. The baby's head is slammed against it, creating pain for the mother and potential distress for the baby. When no tension is present, a labor contraction can be as effortless as a smile. A woman's body knows how to birth a baby with no conscious effort. When we work with our bodies, rather than against them, the labor contraction by itself will be enough to expel the baby. No "purple pushing" required. In effect, a labor contraction is only a foe when we make it one. If a woman stays relaxed during a contraction, no pain will be felt. In addition, the contractions become effective, thus shortening the overall labor time. When we welcome each labor contraction as a friend, as the agent that brings our babies to us, we do not have to experience the pain so many mothers feel. So as the first glimmers of a contraction appear, embrace it as your friend, not your foe. About The Author: Catherine Beier shares her passion for educating women on natural childbirth through her website, http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com and her free birthing ezine, Birthing Blocks. She is the mother of two children born naturally and the author of numerous articles on natural childbirth. |
Tags: LABOR CONTRACTION, NATURAL CHILDBIRTH, PREGNANCY
