6 things pregnant women should steer clear of to avoid triggering contractions
Get the Full StoryMiramaxIf you are close to your due date, there are some things you may want to avoid if you don’t want to trigger contractions.
Dehydration is one of the main causes of false and true labor contractions. That’s why it’s so important to drink 8 to 12 glasses of water a day.
Sex and nipple stimulation still top the list of things that may trigger contractions. So, if you’re not quite ready to head to the delivery room, you might want to play it slow in the bedroom.
You’ve probably heard about the pressure points on your feet that can trigger contractions. You know, the ones you made your partner learn in case you go over your due date. But what if you’re still a few weeks away and not quite ready to welcome your mini-me?
Although you have very little control over when your bundle of joy is going to arrive, there are a few things that you may want to steer clear of if you don’t want to encourage contractions too early. First off, what are contractions?
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If you’re nearing your due date, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced some “practice” contractions. Known as Braxton Hicks, these false contractions get your body ready for the big day. But unlike true contractions, they don’t cause any changes to your cervix, so there’s no need to worry.
Labor contractions, on the other hand, are typically felt most in the lower abdomen, lower back, and are painful. They also occur at regular intervals and get more intense. These are the contractions you need to avoid triggering if you’re not quite ready to make the trip to the hospital.
Dehydration may cause contractions.
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“One of the most common things that triggers contractions is dehydration,” Dr. Mashfika N Alam told INSIDER. If you think you may be dehydrated, it’s important that you rest and drink at least 8 to 12 glasses of water per day.
Getting rehydrated is the best thing you can do if you believe your contractions are being caused by a lack of fluid. You also need to call your doctor and let them know what’s going on.
A urinary tract infection may also trigger them.
Susana Vera Reuters
A urinary tract infection UTI is another common culprit that causes uterine contractions. When a UTI is left untreated, it can trigger contractions that lead to premature labor.
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