What does it mean when contractions are described as being "intense"?

When contractions are described as being "intense," it typically means that they are very painful and frequent. Intensity in this context refers to both the strength of the contractions and the level of discomfort experienced by the person in labor. Intense contractions can create a significant amount of pressure and pain, often leading the individual to seek pain relief or discern that labor is progressing. They also tend to occur at shorter intervals, indicating that the body is preparing for the later stages of labor.

The other descriptions—mild and infrequent contractions, contractions with no signs of labor, or contractions that are irregular—do not convey the same level of pain nor suggest that labor is actively progressing, which is critical in the context of labor and delivery. Thus, the identification of contractions as intense plays an important role in assessing the labor process and the potential need for medical intervention or support.