Muscle contraction is the tightening, shortening, or lengthening of muscles when you do some activity. It can happen when you hold or pick up something, or when you stretch or exercise with weights.

A pregnant person may feel better prepared for childbirth if they learn about what different types of contractions feel like. This includes symptoms of Braxton-Hicks contractions, prodromal labor, ...

Labor contractions are the physical way your uterus tightens to promote delivery of your baby. All body muscles tighten and shorten (contract) when they’re being used. And the uterus is one of the ...