The definition overlaps with the grammatical term portmanteau (a linguistic blend ), however a distinction might be made between a portmanteau and a contraction by noting that contractions are fashioned from words that would in any other case seem together in sequence, such as do and never, whereas a portmanteau phrase is fashioned by combining two or more present words that all relate to a singular concept which the portmanteau describes. The most important factor to remember with both an irritable uterus or Braxton Hicks is that though these contractions should not essentially a sign of preterm labor, they will very properly lead to it. I lately realized that almost every description of what contractions really feel like – whether or not they are Braxton Hicks or true contractions, says that it looks like your uterus is contracting.

Your midwife will measure the progress of your labour for you by …