Since the word contract means to squeeze together, it seems only logical that a contraction is two words made shorter by placing an apostrophe where letters have been omitted. Formerly, gl’ was used before words beginning with i, however it is no longer in common use. Without having these contractions, you would have longer, more frequent and more painful labor contractions. Since contractions tend to add a light and informal tone to your writing, they are often inappropriate for academic research papers, business presentations, and other types of official correspondence.

I’m currently 35 weeks pregnant and have been experiencing prodromal labor since about 30 weeks. For this pregnancy, normal contractions for me include very difficult contractions accompanied with nausea, diarrhea, and low back pain because of the way my baby is positioned and because it’s my third pregnancy.

After birth, the memory of those exhausting contractions will probably evaporate as you hold your new baby for the first time The experience may give you a feeling of empowerment and achievement, alongside the elation of becoming a mum. Prodromal labor contractions can be sporadic, but they can also increase in frequency—but only up to a point; they won’t get you all the way to delivery.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are named after an English doctor, John Braxton Hicks, who described them in 1872. The main difference is during true labor your contractions will get closer together, last longer and become more intense. You could also consider antenatal classes to help you prepare for labour and birth in the weeks and months before your due date.

These contractions tend to come and go unpredictably and tend to show up in the afternoon or evening. For an easy way to keep track, download our contractions chart Print a copy so it’s handy when you need it. Note: An apostrophe is generally used in contractions to show where letters or sounds have been left out.