A contraction is the involuntary tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscles, preparing the body for delivery. It is common for these initial uterine tightenings to begin with regularity and then unexpectedly subside, causing uncertainty. This temporary pause is often normal, particularly during the early stages of a first pregnancy. Understanding the difference between practice contractions and true labor, and the environmental factors that influence the uterus, explains this stop-and-start pattern.
Distinguishing False Labor from Early Labor
The most frequent reason contractions stop is that they were never true labor, but rather practice contractions known as Braxton Hicks. These false labor contractions are irregular, often short, and do not progressively increase in duration, intensity, or frequency. They are felt primarily in the front of the abdomen or groin area, described more as a generalized tightening than pain.
A simple way to assess the contraction is to change your activity level, such as walking or resting. Braxton Hicks contractions typically slow down, fade, or stop entirely when you change position or activity. In contrast, true labor contractions establish a predictable pattern, grow stronger, and continue regardless of movement or rest.
True labor contractions also differ in location, often starting in the back and sweeping around to the front of the abdomen. They cause progressive changes to the cervix, such as thinning and opening, an effect false labor contractions do not produce. For self-assessment, true labor is defined by contractions that are five minutes apart, lasting sixty seconds each, and continuing for at least one hour.
Common Causes for Contraction Stalling
Assuming the uterine activity was indeed early labor, physiological or environmental factors can cause a temporary stall. Dehydration is a common culprit, as the uterine muscle relies on adequate fluid balance to work efficiently. When dehydrated, the body releases vasopressin, a hormone chemically similar to oxytocin, the hormone responsible for labor contractions. The rise in vasopressin can trigger contractions, but the lack of fluid ultimately leads to uterine muscle fatigue, causing them to cease.
Physical exhaustion can also lead to a pause, as the body needs rest to conserve energy for active labor. Lying down may successfully stop early, non-established labor entirely, allowing the body to recover. The “fight or flight” response caused by emotional stress or a sudden change in environment can quickly inhibit labor progress.
Adrenaline, the hormone associated with stress, actively suppresses the production of oxytocin. This phenomenon is sometimes called the “arrival effect,” where strong contractions at home stop upon arriving at the hospital due to the change in setting. Simple interventions like emptying a full bladder can help restart contractions, as an overfull bladder can physically obstruct the baby’s descent into the pelvis. These stalls are usually temporary, and contractions often resume once the underlying issue is resolved.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
If contractions were regular and then stopped, it is generally safe to manage the situation at home by resting and addressing common causes, provided there are no other concerning symptoms. If the contractions were mild and stop after drinking two to three glasses of water and resting on your left side for an hour, they were likely practice contractions or a temporary stall due to dehydration. It is also important to monitor fetal movement, ensuring the baby is moving normally.
There are certain signs, however, that require an immediate call to your healthcare provider or a trip to the hospital, regardless of whether contractions have stopped. These include any vaginal bleeding heavier than simple spotting or “bloody show,” or the rupture of membranes, commonly known as your water breaking.
If the fluid released is green, brown, or streaked with yellow, it may indicate the presence of meconium, requiring prompt medical evaluation. A sudden decrease or complete absence of the baby’s usual movements necessitates immediate contact with your provider. If you feel severely anxious or uncertain about the status of your labor, contacting your healthcare team remains the safest course of action.