Contraction?
Q. I am having back pains and mild cramps in my lower belly. I've been trying to time them but am somewhat unsure how to because the pain never really ends. It gets relatively sharp every 3 to 4 minutes and then dies back down but never really quits. Can someone help me with this please. I'm 39w1d so I'm somewhat freaking out and think it may be labor..
Asked by CLL - Tue Dec 25 03:55:20 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Sounds to me like you are in labour. I would just ring the midwife over the phone to ask there opinion. If its your first child they may want you to come in and see them. Sometimes you can get those Braxton Hicks Contractions. I would just call your midwife. All the best:)
Answered by sweety - Tue Dec 25 05:10:55 2007

How does the contraction of a muscle affect the skeletal system?
Q. In addition, how does the contraction of the bicep affect the flexing of the elbow?
Asked by Sean Walker - Tue Mar 18 03:15:38 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Skeletal muscle exerts force only when it contracts, so the contraction of skeletal muscles pulls the bones of the skeleton to create movement. A flexor muscle is needed to flex or bend a joint. The biceps muscle is the flexor of the lower arm. The biceps are attached to the radius (a forearm bone) and when the biceps contract they pull the forearm up.
Answered by The Fuzy Llama - Tue Mar 18 13:59:46 2008

What is the difference between a Braxton Hicks contraction and a regular one?
Q. My doctor says I am far enough along that if I feel a real contraction to head to the hospital. But I don't even know if I have felt a Braxton Hick contraction, let alone the difference between that and labor pains. I have felt small pains the last month here and there but it feels like gas, honestly so I am really in the dark as far as the sensations I should be alert for! This is my 1st so I have nothing to compare anything to.
Asked by mizz910403 - Sat Jul 25 20:33:53 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. While some will say that it's the duration, intensity, and frequency of the contraction (and that is partially correct), BH will not dilate or efface the cervix, while a "real" contraction will (that's it's purpose).
Answered by Juli - Sat Jul 25 20:46:36 2009

At what number on the stress test is it considered a full contraction?
Q. The doctor said I had a contraction today, but the lines hit up to 85. Is that considered a full contraction, or only if it hits 100? Also, is it normal to not feel contractions? I didn't even know I was having them. I am 30 weeks.
Asked by Jacki - Thu Nov 5 21:04:29 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The numbers on the machine are really arbitrary and not an accurate measure of the true intensity of a contraction, the purpose of the monitor is really to show how long the contractions last and how frequently they come. External monitors vary on how well they work because a tiny, thin woman with great muscle tone will trace huge contractions with big numbers even with mild Braxton Hicks that she might not even feel. A larger woman with a little extra padding might only trace little ant hills but be in full-blown labor, writhing in pain. The only true measure of the intensity of a contraction is an internal uterine pressure catheter (IUPC) which is placed up into the vagina, through the cervix, and into the uterus while you're in labor,… [cont.]
Answered by Jill - Thu Nov 5 21:14:35 2009

What would private (health) drug industries do to overcome the first ever contraction of global economy ?
Q. The global economy is in experiencing its first ever period of contraction. If the world has already become "developed", then the markets need to change their processes. What will a crucial private health-care sector be doing to re-invent itself to overcome this long lasting crisis ? Will they become both cause and remedy for sustenance ?
Asked by doxa - Mon Jan 12 04:27:45 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I'm with Matthew. I'm a health economist and I don't know where you are coming from on this one. It's true that health care costs have increased dramatically over the last several decades for most countries. It is also true that this increase (in % GDP) cannot continue indefinitely. But as far as "re-inventing" itself the private health care sector, and public for that matter, likely won't be doing anything drastically different than any other field. They will try to streamline costs and expenses.
Answered by Jim - Mon Jan 12 10:19:23 2009

What part of the action potential prevents summation of cardiac muscle cells contraction?
Q. What part(s) of the action potential prevent summation of the contraction of cardiac muscle cells? And what is the ionic mechanism that gives rise to this? Is it phase 2 of the action potential? And is that because of calcium comming into the cell? I need to know the ionic mechanism behind this too?
Asked by Uptownie - Sat Sep 15 02:10:43 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. during the absolute refractory period, no additional action potentials can be generated. In cardiac muscle cells, there is a prolonged refractory period (relative to skeletal muscle). I don't recall the specific ions involved, but it's probably either calcium or sodium. After the initial depolarization caused by sodium, calcium rushes in and potassium begins to leak out. The incoming Ca2+ keeps the potential of the membrane positive (that is positive on the inside). eventually the calcium channels close and potasium continues to leak out. The cell returns to resting potential.
Answered by yamaguchi - Sat Sep 15 04:22:09 2007

Why is the relativistic length contraction a function of the speed of light?
Q. Why is the relativistic length contraction as it appears in the Lorentz transformation a function of the speed of light?
Asked by quantum - Wed Nov 1 02:38:43 2006 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. It isn't, the variable is the proper length (length at rest). Relativistic length contraction is a function of the object's velocity and initial length. The Lorentz tranformation is: L1 = Lo/(y), where y is the Lorentz factor. The speed of light only occurs in the Lorentz factor portion, where y = 1/ Sqrt(1 - u/c)), where c = speed of light u = velocity The Lorentz factor is simply a common term that frequently appears in the equations and is equal to the time light takes to travel from one perspective. See the link for further details.
Answered by John H - Wed Nov 1 02:58:13 2006

How can you tell the difference between a BH contraction and the baby's movement?
Q. I know this sounds silly but I'm 23 weeks pregnant and I don't think I've ever had a BH contraction but my tummy feels hard sometimes for a few seconds and sticks out a bit. Can literally feel and see it moving. But muscles do that when they cramp up anyway, don't they? Is that the baby just turning over or is my uterus contracting with practice labour? Thanks for your help xx
Asked by heaven - Thu Dec 18 07:06:55 2008 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. That sounds like the baby was turning or kicking. I never recognized B.h's with my first. Now that I have given birth I can tel when I have them. Its a definite tightening of your uterus/tummy. It feels all seized up in way. And then when it releases it feels better. Its almost relief when it loosens. This sounds dumb but it reminds me of when you have a body part fall asleep and it feels separate from your body.
Answered by Alexanders and Katherines mama - Thu Dec 18 07:53:27 2008

What feeling does a contraction resemble or feel like?
Q. The Description of a contraction, Does it feel like a Period Cramp?
Asked by Lauren Smith - Thu Apr 24 20:09:57 2008 - - 15 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Similar, but 100 times worse.
Answered by Momof2Boys - Thu Apr 24 20:20:46 2008

What's the difference between a contraction and a recession?
Q. i keep hearing it in the news...'economy is in a contraction'...how does that differ from a recession? or is it just another, nonthreatening sounding way to say recession so stocks don't tank?
Asked by offline256 - Tue Feb 24 22:57:55 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You're correct. It's just another way to say the same thing. Although, recession is an official label (could be defined by two consecutive quarters of negative growth, or there's some organization that officially decides the start/end of recessions)
Answered by froggyj5 - Tue Feb 24 23:04:21 2009

Is a contraction like a shooting pain or a cramp?
Q. I am due on Monday and this morning I had a really painful shooting pain in my side. But it only lasted like 2 seconds. I thought maybe it was a contraction but I only had that 1 and none since. I thought contractions were more like really bad cramps though. Do you think this shooting pain was a contraction or not?
Asked by snailysnal - Sat Nov 14 11:08:03 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

How does carrying a load change muscle contraction?
Q. You know the 3 phases of muscle contraction - latency, contraction, and relaxation? (ie. curve on graph) How do they change if you add a load (for the muscle to lift for example)? Do the periods of latency or relaxation or anything change at all? I actually did an experiment on this: the latency/relaxation is longer with load, but the contraction is shorter! I don't understand this.
Asked by Mary Magdalene - Thu Feb 21 14:59:55 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Im not sure of the science behind it, but everytime I have a load in my pants it changes the way I walk. And smell.
Answered by Joey B - Thu Feb 21 15:07:38 2008

What is physical basis of Length Contraction in special relativity?
Q. Einstein's theory of special relativity says that the length of an object such as a space ship moving at relativistic speeds undergoes a contraction along the dimension of motion. An observer at rest would observe the moving object to be shorter in length.How this works. What happens to physical properties of the object that it becomes shorter. why it contracts only in context of stationary reference frame and is there any empirical evidence in support of this theory?
Asked by Phil - Tue Sep 15 11:11:27 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The length contraction does not reflect any changes at all to the physical properties of the object. At one time (before the theory of relativity was accepted), there was a hypothesis that things contracted due to a physical interaction with the so-called "luminiferous ether" as they traveled through it; but this idea (along with the ether itself) was discarded in favor of relativity. Relativity predicts that time intervals and distance intervals are relative, not absolute; and today we interpret length contraction as simply a manifestation of the relativity of distance measurements. To put it more concretely: Consider how we'd measure the length of a passing space ship. We would record two events: say, "Event 1" is when the ship's… [cont.]
Answered by RickB - Tue Sep 15 11:43:31 2009

Feels like a constant contraction and tightening of tummy at 35 weeks?
Q. I am currenlty 35 1/2 weeks pregnant with baby #2 and I have been having braxton hicks contractions for a couple months now.. What I am having right now is almost like one BIG constant contraction that will not go away.. My belly is as hard as a rock and it hurts really bad.. I can hardly breath.. Just not sure if this is something I should go to the hospital for or not.. Any advice is much appreciated!
Asked by proudmommy_of2@ymail.com - Wed Nov 18 00:03:53 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Call your doctor and in the meantime lie down on your left side and drink a big glass of water. Sometimes the uterus is reacting to even the mildest dehydration, so fluids help. Lying on the left gives the best uterine blood flow, more oxygen to the muscle also helps reduce contractions. Good luck, it's probably nothing to worry about.
Answered by Jill - Wed Nov 18 00:10:10 2009

Did anyone ever take a picture of you in labor during a contraction? What did it look like?
Q. My husband took a picture of me during a contraction in transition. It looked just like I was sleeping. I had no pain medication. I used the Bradley method.
Asked by pennypincher - Wed Jan 27 16:57:13 2010 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. no but they used a mirror kinda of interesting looking u can see the baby's tiny head
Answered by Crystal R - Wed Jan 27 17:01:01 2010

Contraction pains on one side and 38 weeks pregnant?
Q. I am 38 weeks pregnant and just expirienced the worst pain in my lower left side right above my pelvis, and i have a pretty high pain tolerance. I am 3cm and 75% effaced could this be contraction pains? I could not talk through it. Any suggestions.
Asked by sasha y - Tue Jan 27 19:52:46 2009 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. perhaps.. it should be hurting all across your belly though -- not just in one area or on one side. It should feel like your belly got really tight and hard. If they continue to the point where they are five minutes apart and last for about a minute is when you are supposed to go to the hospital. I only had about 5 contractions before I called my midwife and she gave me the go ahead to come in anyway. It wouldn't hurt to call and ask! Good luck!
Answered by Noah's Mommy - Tue Jan 27 19:57:30 2009

When i sit for study i lose my contraction what should i do?
Q. When i sit for study and open book i lose my contraction and start thinking here and there. so is there any method to concentrate on study. 2nd thing is how can i improve my memory power.
Asked by sonia_kinza2005 - Mon Feb 23 14:05:19 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. connect an ipod and hear it while studing.. But it's been proven after 10 minutes of foucising on something, your mind will un focus on it for another 10 minutes, to refresh itself.
Answered by Geo Suris - Mon Feb 23 14:09:36 2009

Whats the mechanism for providing relativistic mass increase and maybe time dilation and length contraction?
Q. Einstein STR says that mass increases with increases with velocity. How is that? Is the mechanism behind this known? The same I want to ask for TD and Length contraction. This seems logically impossible...
Asked by anuraganimax - Mon Nov 2 00:03:56 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The mass does not increase. It is just that because the speed of light is i) finite and ii) perceived to be the same by all observers, then an observer will measure an object zipping by as having 1) a greater mass, 2) the length in the direction of movement to be shorter, 3) and slower running clock. This is a result of the interdependence of time and space. It all flows from making the speed of light the same for all observers. This forces mass, length and time as measured by an observer to be fungible I repeat, the mass does not increase, but an outside observer will measure a fast moving object as having a greater mass. *** The reason for time dilation and mass increase is that from the point of a stationary observer, the more… [cont.]
Answered by Frst Grade Rocks! - Mon Nov 2 01:07:03 2009

what prevents ach from accumalating in the neuromuscular junction and causing a sustained contraction?
Q. Thanks...I'm studying for an exam now and need some extra clarification...my book isn't really doing a good job at explaining things. Also, Succinylcholine behaves as a depolarizing agent that inhibits repolarization of the nerve. Therefore, no more ACh is released until the drug is cleared. What is another ste within the neuromuscular junction that might be affected to prevent muscle contraction? A hint would be curare behaves via this mechanism... Thanks!
Asked by Skido - Sun Oct 18 12:30:59 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. what prevents ach from accumalating in the neuromuscular junction and causing a sustained contraction? - acetylcholinesterase Succinylcholine behaves as a depolarizing agent that inhibits repolarization of the nerve. Therefore, no more ACh is released until the drug is cleared. What is another ste within the neuromuscular junction that might be affected to prevent muscle contraction? - actually, more ACh can be released but it doesn't help because the succinylcholine is keeping the receptor depolarized. Activation ACh receptors cause release of intracellular Ca++ in the muscle cells upon initial depolariztion (which is what allows activation of the muscle fiber contraction). However, if it stays depolarized no more Ca++ is released and… [cont.]
Answered by RM - Mon Oct 19 09:32:30 2009

Is the effect of the mass increase and length contraction due to relativistic speed permanence once the body?
Q. Is the effect of the mass increase and length contraction due to relativistic speed permanence once the body returns to it's initial frame of reference?
Asked by aLeX - Sat Oct 4 10:01:39 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. No. These effects just depend on measurements made in the moving system. The object doesn't change in its rest system.
Answered by alpha137036 - Sat Oct 4 10:16:14 2008