Comprehensive Guide to Pregnancy Health: Contraction Monitoring, Specialized Care, and Choosing Your Provider

Preterm birth, or a birth that happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is the leading cause of infant death and health problems. Contractions are a natural part of every pregnancy. There are several types of contractions, including Braxton Hicks “practice” contractions and true labor contractions. For some pregnant mothers, it can be hard to tell which ones mean that labor is about to start. Information about your contractions can help your doctor decide if you need to make changes to your pregnancy care plans.

Understanding and Measuring Contractions

Contractions are the tightening of the muscles of your uterus. They don’t feel the same to everyone, and different types are stronger than others. Doctors measure contractions by using a tocodynamometer—called a toco for short—a sensor that measures pressure. The toco sends a signal to a monitor, which measures contractions in units called mmHg, or millimeters of mercury. If you are having contractions and you can’t tell if they are Braxton Hicks or true labor contractions, you should call your doctor right away.

Below are the common ranges of toco numbers for the different types of contractions:

Types of Fetal and Contraction Monitoring

In most pregnancies, there is no need for constant contraction monitoring. However, if you are at high risk of having a preterm delivery, your doctor may recommend more frequent contraction monitoring in the office or at the hospital. External fetal heart rate monitoring is the most common tool used for monitoring fetal heart rate and your contractions. It has two straps that are placed on the belly to measure uterine activity: one has a sensor to read the baby’s heartbeat, and the other measures how strong and frequent your contractions are. A normal heartbeat means that baby is doing fine, while an abnormal heartbeat could be a sign that they need to take other actions.

Chiropractic Care and the Webster Technique

Pregnancy is a time when it can be challenging to feel your best. Weight gain, a changing center of gravity, and hormonal changes can leave you feeling unfamiliar with your own body. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can address both the physical discomfort mom may be feeling and support the unborn baby to move into an optimal birth position. Specifically, the Webster Technique centers on applying strategic, gentle pressure to the pelvis which restores alignment and causes the uterus to relax. As a result, a baby can find more room to turn heads-down and mom can find greater comfort. This mode of care is appropriate for pregnant women no matter what type of birth plan you have in mind and will be useful in any setting — homebirth, birth center or hospital.

How to Choose an OB-GYN

Navigating the healthcare system and finding an OB-GYN whom you can partner with when it comes to your health needs and preferences can be challenging. Whether you’re going to an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) for a preventive screening, birth control advice, or pregnancy care, you need an OB-GYN who can respond to your changing needs. Consider these factors when making your choice:

• Insurance plan: If you have health insurance, your policy documents should identify which OB-GYNs in your area participate in your plan.
• Location and Access: Finding an OB-GYN doctor close to home is getting harder, but being able to get to the OB-GYN is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a life-and-death equity issue.
• Hospital privileges: Doctors usually have privileges with a certain regional or local hospital; check to be sure that’s the hospital your prospective doctor uses.
• Reviews and Recommendations: Your co-workers, friends, and family members can be a great resource for finding an OB-GYN who’s a good fit for you.

It’s always a good idea to call the doctor’s office to confirm that they work with your insurance provider before you make an appointment.