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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Electromyometrial Imaging of Uterine Contractions in Pregnant Women
Published on: May 26, 2023
Every labor is unique: but "call when your contractions are 3 minutes apart"
1School of Nursing and Women's Studies Program, University of Michigan, USA. kanelow@umich.edu
Purpose:
To explore women's perceptions of transitioning to the birth facility when in labor.
Design:
Qualitative.
Methods:
Twenty-four nulliparous women were interviewed following their birth experiences.
Results:
Pain was identified as the primary reason for transitioning to the hospital. Once arriving at the hospital, women often felt pressure to "get it right" and not make multiple trips. Three themes were identified: (a) Don't trust your body, trust us; (b) This is not right; and (c) This is too labor!
Clinical Implications:
The implications for nursing involve increased recognition of the range of normal experiences and acknowledgment that pain is a primary basis for women coming to the hospital as opposed to cervical dilation. Reevaluating the instruction the healthcare providers give to women is warranted.
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