Rapid, excessive uterine contractions during labor signal a condition known as uterine tachysystole, a challenge that places both mother and baby at heightened risk. Labor becomes more intense, and the uterus often fails to rest between contractions, leading to reduced oxygen supply to the baby and potential fetal distress.
If complications from uterine tachysystole are not addressed promptly, they can affect both the mother and the fetus. Mothers may feel confused or alarmed when contractions intensify and when changes in rhythm disrupt the normal labor process.
This post explains the causes, symptoms, and risks for babies linked to this condition, offering essential insight for expectant mothers and caregivers alike.
What Causes Uterine Tachysystole?
Several factors trigger uterine tachysystole.
- Oxytocin, a drug often used to induce or strengthen labor, stimulates frequent contractions when administered in high doses or over prolonged periods.
- Misoprostol, another labor-inducing agent, sometimes produces similar effects.
- Even natural labor hormones react strongly in certain women, pushing contractions beyond a safe frequency.
- Placental abruption also contributes. The body sometimes responds with frequent contractions when the placenta separates from the uterus too soon.
- Infections within the uterus or dehydration during labor may also provoke this response.
- Scar tissue from a former cesarean section or uterine surgery may interfere with normal muscle patterns, intensifying contractions.
Symptoms of Uterine Tachysystole
Laboring mothers notice shorter intervals between contractions, often less than two minutes apart. These contractions last longer than usual and create persistent tension in the uterus. Discomfort escalates quickly, leaving little time for rest.
Fetal monitoring shows distress through changes in heart rate, such as decelerations or erratic rhythms. These symptoms signal that the baby struggles during labor. Medical teams often observe signs like increased uterine tone, lack of relaxation between contractions, and sustained contractions lasting over 90 seconds.
Mothers may also report back pain, increased pressure, or signs of fatigue more severe than typical labor. Physical signs include a rigid abdomen and difficulty identifying distinct contractions due to continuous uterine activity.
Risks for Babies
Babies exposed to uterine tachysystole face reduced oxygen levels. As contractions increase in strength and frequency, the placenta struggles to deliver enough blood and nutrients. Babies have less time to recover without sufficient breaks between contractions, which may affect their heart rate and oxygen saturation.
Prolonged oxygen deprivation leads to fetal acidosis, a condition marked by increased acidity in the baby’s blood. If left unaddressed, this condition risks long-term brain injury. Birth complications, such as low Apgar scores, must be resuscitated or admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.
Some babies experience head trauma or bruising due to forceful, repeated contractions pressing them against the birth canal. Emergency cesarean deliveries also become more likely, increasing stress for both baby and mother.
Finally, uterine tachysystole alters the natural rhythm of labor, pushing the uterus into dangerous territory for both mother and child. Recognizing its causes and symptoms equips care teams to act quickly. Every moment counts, especially when a baby’s well-being depends on precise timing and effective response.