The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary. Formerly, gl’ was used before words beginning with i, however it is no longer in common use. In general, it’s best to use your own judgment when deciding if contractions are appropriate for a particular piece. You may want to start timing your contractions when you think labor has started to see if there is a pattern.
Contractions are now powerful and efficient, so this phase is usually quite short (less than an hour). This combination is what can make the pain of labor contractions reach levels of extreme discomfort. However, if a woman was having full on, strong contractions for a prolonged time (actual time would depend on her individual circumstances ie. previous baby, etc.) and no signs of progress – I would be asking the question ‘what is going on’.
Words in parentheses are no longer commonly used, but some still exist in common expressions such as colla voce. You may also want to time contractions for a bit after there has been a change in how the contractions feel. However, understanding the difference between these two words is crucial for successful communication.
Contractions are at their most intense during the active labor and transition stages. Contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop if you change positions. My wife took off two weeks from work so she could stay with me through recovery in the hospital and the first week at home.
However, if you’re writing an academic paper or anything else that’s formal, you may want to avoid contractions. Even if you didn’t know much about pregnancy and birth when you conceived, you were probably aware of contractions — your body’s uncomfortable but essential means of pushing your baby down the birth canal and out into the world.