Cannot be moved consciously. If the uterus contracts, this contraction is called a contraction. The contraction is used to bring the baby into the right position or to move the birth forward. However, not all contractions are the same.

Descending contractions promote blood flow and growth of the uterus. The cervix is not opened. Pregnancy contractions are short, regular contractions in which the abdomen becomes hard. Often they are not felt. 4 to 10 times a day is normal.

Descending contractions begin around the 36th week of pregnancy and cause the baby to enter deeper into the pelvis. They soften and shorten the cervix. It is an irregular pulling in the groin and small of the back, about once or twice an hour for about 30 to 40 seconds.

Preterm labor may occur regularly for a short period of time, but then disappear again. The uterus is a muscle that cannot be moved consciously. When the uterus contracts, this contraction is called a contraction. The contraction is used to bring the baby into the right position or to help the birth progress. However, not all contractions are the same. contractions occur in the groin and sacral region and (especially with the first child) are interchanged with labor pains. If you are unsure, a warm bath can be helpful: If the contractions calm down due to the warm water, they are preterm contractions. If the contractions persist or become stronger, they are usually labor pains.

Birth pangs occur rhythmically and regularly and do not stop in any position. The cervix is opened and the child enters deeper. The contractions are felt mainly in the groin and sacral region. The frequency of contractions increases, up to three contractions in 10 minutes. One contraction lasts 45-60 seconds.

The placenta is delivered with postpartum contractions, which are no longer as painful and are sometimes assisted with labor medications.

Postpartum hemorrhages serve to regress the uterus and stop bleeding by reducing the wound area in the uterus. They occur in the first two to five days, more frequently during breastfeeding.

Cesarean section – in which the baby is surgically removed from the uterus – has become an indispensable part of obstetrics. In Switzerland, around one in three children is born by Caesarean section. A distinction is made between primary and secondary cesarean sections.

Primary cesarean section is planned and performed before the birth has started naturally. Indications for this may be an impossible position of the child or already known medical reasons. Secondary cesarean section, on the other hand, is necessary due to complications that may arise during birth.

Nowadays, cesarean section is sometimes deliberately preferred to spontaneous delivery. For fear of the unknown labor pain or possible perineal injuries under a natural birth, the cesarean section is considered the «lesser evil,» so to speak, and is perceived as more predictable. On the other hand, to believe that a cesarean section is completely risk-free would be a fallacy. A cesarean section is a surgical procedure performed under regional or general anesthesia, and the pain afterwards should not be underestimated.

We and the Society of Pediatrics believe that a complication-free birth is the gentlest and often perceived best way to deliver a baby for both mother and baby. It is completely normal that fears arise before a birth. Discuss these with us! Our midwives as well as our doctors are always available for a discussion.