Contraction intensity is defined by

• A. The duration of a contraction
• B. How firm the abdomen is when palpated
• C. The rhythm of contractions
• D. The pain level during contractions

Answer: (B)

Contraction intensity is about how strong the contraction feels, which is measured by how firm the uterus becomes at the peak of the contraction when you palpate the abdomen. That firmness reflects the force the uterus is generating. It’s separate from how long the contraction lasts (duration), the pattern or rhythm (frequency and intervals), or the mother’s pain level, which is subjective. So, the best description is the degree of firmness felt during palpation of the fundus at the peak of the contraction.