What is the minimum intensity (in mmHg) a contraction should generate to be considered effective?

To consider a uterine contraction effective, it generally needs to generate an intensity of at least 25 mmHg. At this level, contractions are sufficiently strong to exert pressure on the cervix and facilitate cervical dilation, which is essential for the progression of labor. Contractions with this intensity are indicative of an adequate strength that can contribute to the labor process.

Contractions less than this threshold (like 10 mmHg) may not be strong enough to have a meaningful impact on cervical changes, while a contraction intensity of 50 mmHg or greater typically denotes gravitational pressure that may be associated with the second stage of labor or other specific clinical situations but is not the baseline measure for effectiveness. 75 mmHg is usually observed in more advanced labor stages, emphasizing that while stronger contractions can be present, the minimum effective intensity recognized by practitioners remains at 25 mmHg.