Can constipation cause braxton hicks
What They Are, Causes, Treatments
Between all the trips to the bathroom, the reflux after every meal, and nausea galore, you’ve probably had your fill of less-than-fun pregnancy symptoms. (Where is that glow they always talk about?) Just when you think you’re in the clear, you feel a tightening in your tummy. And then another one.
Are these . . . contractions?
Don’t grab your hospital bag and rush out the door just yet. What you’re likely experiencing are called Braxton-Hicks or “false labor” contractions. Feeling them can be exciting and — sometimes — alarming, but it doesn’t mean your baby will be born today or even next week. Instead, Braxton-Hicks are a sign that your body is warming up for the main event.
Braxton-Hicks contractions feel like a tightening in your lower abdomen. The degree of tightness can vary. You may not even notice some mild ones, but stronger contractions may take your breath away.
Some women describe them as feeling similar to period cramps, so if Aunt Flo does a number on you each month you know what you’re in for with Braxton-Hicks.
Unlike real labor contractions, Braxton-Hicks don’t get closer together. They come and go, whether weaker or stronger, without any sort of pattern.
These contractions may begin as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy. That said, it’s likely you may not feel them until you reach your second or third trimester.
They may be infrequent at first, happening only a few times a day. As you enter your third trimester and get closer to delivery, your Braxton-Hicks contractions may happen multiple times an hour for hours on end (much like the questions from strangers about when you are due).
They’ll be especially frequent if you’ve been on your feet a lot or are dehydrated. As a result, the contractions may stop after you rest, drink water, or change your position.
Again, Braxton-Hicks may gradually help thin and soften the cervix, but they won’t cause dilation for the birth of your baby.
Related: What do different types of labor contractions feel like?
So, how can you tell the difference between Braxton-Hicks and labor contractions? The good news is that there are some distinguishing factors that may help clue you in.
Keep in mind that any time you’re having contractions or wonder whether or not you’re in labor, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor or midwife.
| Braxton-Hicks | Labor Contractions | |
|---|---|---|
| When they start | Early on, but most women don’t feel them until the second trimester or third trimester | 37 weeks — any sooner may be a sign of premature labor |
| How they feel | Tightening, discomfort. May be strong or weak, but don’t progressively get stronger. | Strong tightening, pain, cramping. May be so intense you can’t walk or talk during them. Get worse with time. |
| Where you’ll feel them | Front of abdomen | Start in back, wrap around abdomen |
| How long they last | 30 seconds to 2 minutes | 30 to 70 seconds; longer over time |
| How often they occur | Irregular; can’t be timed in a pattern | Get longer, stronger, and closer together |
| When they stop | May go away with changes in position, rest, or hydration | Don’t ease up |
The exact cause of Braxton-Hicks contractions isn’t known.
Still, there are some triggers that seem to bring them about somewhat universally. Researchers say that’s because certain activities or situations may stress baby in the womb. The contractions may help to increase blood flow to the placenta and give your baby more oxygen.
Possible causes include:
- Dehydration. Pregnant women need 10 to 12 cups of fluid each day, so get yourself a water bottle and start drinking.
- Activity. You may notice Braxton-Hicks later on in the day after being on your feet too much or after doing strenuous exercise. Sometimes strenuous exercise may just be fitting into your maternity jeans. That’s okay.
- Sex. Orgasm may make the uterus contract. Why? Your body produces oxytocin after orgasm. This hormone makes muscles, like the uterus, contract. Your partner’s semen contains prostaglandins that may also bring about contractions.
- Full bladder. A full bladder may put pressure on your uterus, causing contractions or cramping.
Related: Contractions after sex: Is this normal?
After you’ve confirmed with your doctor that what you’re experiencing are Braxton-Hicks and not labor contractions, you can relax. Quite literally — you should try to take it easy.
There is no medical treatment needed for these contractions. Try focusing on resting, drinking more fluids, and changing your position — even if that just means moving from the bed to the couch for a while.
Specifically, try:
- Going to the bathroom to empty your bladder. (Yeah, like you’re not doing that every hour already?)
- Drinking three to four glasses of water or other fluids, like milk, juice, or herbal tea. (Hence all the bathroom trips.)
- Lying on your left side, which may promote better blood flow to the uterus, kidneys, and placenta.
If this method isn’t working or you’re experiencing a lot of Braxton-Hicks, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about possible treatments. You may have what’s called an irritable uterus.
While lifestyle treatments are preferred, there are certain medications that may help ease your contractions.
Related: Irritable uterus and irritable uterus contractions
Braxton-Hicks aren’t the only cause of abdominal pain and cramping during pregnancy. And labor isn’t the only other option. Consider if you might be experiencing one of the following conditions.
Urinary tract infection
As your baby grows, the uterus presses on your bladder. Besides making sneezing dangerous, this means you need to pee more, but it also means there’s more opportunity for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Beyond abdominal pain, you may experience anything from burning with urination to more frequent/urgent trips to the bathroom to fever. UTIs can get worse and even impact the kidneys without treatment. You’ll need prescription medicine to clear the infection.
Gas or constipation
Gas and bloating may be worse during pregnancy due to high levels of the hormone progesterone.
Constipation is another stomach issue that may cause discomfort and even pain In fact, constipation is quite common during pregnancy.
If increasing your fluid and fiber intake and getting more exercise doesn’t help matters, ask your doctor about laxatives and stool softeners to help get things, uh, moving again.
Round ligament pain
Ouch! Sharp pain on the right or left side of your belly may be round ligament pain. The feeling is a brief, shooting sensation from your abdomen to your groin. Round ligament pain happens when the ligaments that support your uterus stretch to accommodate and support your growing belly.
More serious issues
Placental abruption is when the placenta detaches either partially or entirely from the uterus. It may cause intense, constant pain and make your uterus very tight or hard.
Preeclampsia is a condition when your blood pressure rises to unsafe levels. You may feel upper abdominal pain near your rib cage, particularly on your right side.
These issues require immediate medical attention. So, if you think you are having Braxton-Hicks contractions but the pain becomes severe and doesn’t let up, get medical help as soon as possible.
Be sure to contact your healthcare provider any time you have concerns about your pregnancy. Specifically with contractions, you want to be on the lookout for other early labor signs before you reach 37 weeks gestation.
These include:
- contractions that grow stronger, longer, and closer together
- continual backache
- pressure and cramping in your pelvis or lower abdomen
- spotting or bleeding from the vagina
- gush or trickle of amniotic fluid
- any other change in vaginal discharge
- not feeling your baby move at least 6 to 10 times in an hour
Am I overreacting?
Don’t worry! You may feel you’re being pesky, but doctors and midwives get false alarm calls all the time. Addressing your concerns is part of their job.
It’s better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to delivering your baby early. If you’re experiencing true labor, there may be things your provider can do to stop it if they’re notified in time and let your baby cook a little while longer.
Related: 6 telltale signs of labor
Still unsure if your contractions are real or “false” labor? Try timing them at home. Write down the time your contraction starts and when it finishes. Then write down the time from the end of one to the start of another. Record your findings over an hour’s time.
In general, it’s a good idea to call your doctor or midwife if you’ve had 6 or more contractions lasting 20 to 30 seconds — or if you have any other symptoms suggesting you’re in labor.
Otherwise, put your feet up (and maybe even get someone else to put some polish on your toes) and soak in these final moments before your little one arrives.
What They Are, Causes, Treatments
Between all the trips to the bathroom, the reflux after every meal, and nausea galore, you’ve probably had your fill of less-than-fun pregnancy symptoms.
(Where is that glow they always talk about?) Just when you think you’re in the clear, you feel a tightening in your tummy. And then another one.
Are these . . . contractions?
Don’t grab your hospital bag and rush out the door just yet. What you’re likely experiencing are called Braxton-Hicks or “false labor” contractions. Feeling them can be exciting and — sometimes — alarming, but it doesn’t mean your baby will be born today or even next week. Instead, Braxton-Hicks are a sign that your body is warming up for the main event.
Braxton-Hicks contractions feel like a tightening in your lower abdomen. The degree of tightness can vary. You may not even notice some mild ones, but stronger contractions may take your breath away.
Some women describe them as feeling similar to period cramps, so if Aunt Flo does a number on you each month you know what you’re in for with Braxton-Hicks.
Unlike real labor contractions, Braxton-Hicks don’t get closer together.
They come and go, whether weaker or stronger, without any sort of pattern.
These contractions may begin as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy. That said, it’s likely you may not feel them until you reach your second or third trimester.
They may be infrequent at first, happening only a few times a day. As you enter your third trimester and get closer to delivery, your Braxton-Hicks contractions may happen multiple times an hour for hours on end (much like the questions from strangers about when you are due).
They’ll be especially frequent if you’ve been on your feet a lot or are dehydrated. As a result, the contractions may stop after you rest, drink water, or change your position.
Again, Braxton-Hicks may gradually help thin and soften the cervix, but they won’t cause dilation for the birth of your baby.
Related: What do different types of labor contractions feel like?
So, how can you tell the difference between Braxton-Hicks and labor contractions? The good news is that there are some distinguishing factors that may help clue you in.
Keep in mind that any time you’re having contractions or wonder whether or not you’re in labor, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor or midwife.
| Braxton-Hicks | Labor Contractions | |
|---|---|---|
| When they start | Early on, but most women don’t feel them until the second trimester or third trimester | 37 weeks — any sooner may be a sign of premature labor |
| How they feel | Tightening, discomfort. May be strong or weak, but don’t progressively get stronger. | Strong tightening, pain, cramping. May be so intense you can’t walk or talk during them. Get worse with time. |
| Where you’ll feel them | Front of abdomen | Start in back, wrap around abdomen |
| How long they last | 30 seconds to 2 minutes | 30 to 70 seconds; longer over time |
| How often they occur | Irregular; can’t be timed in a pattern | Get longer, stronger, and closer together |
| When they stop | May go away with changes in position, rest, or hydration | Don’t ease up |
The exact cause of Braxton-Hicks contractions isn’t known.
Still, there are some triggers that seem to bring them about somewhat universally. Researchers say that’s because certain activities or situations may stress baby in the womb. The contractions may help to increase blood flow to the placenta and give your baby more oxygen.
Possible causes include:
- Dehydration. Pregnant women need 10 to 12 cups of fluid each day, so get yourself a water bottle and start drinking.
- Activity. You may notice Braxton-Hicks later on in the day after being on your feet too much or after doing strenuous exercise. Sometimes strenuous exercise may just be fitting into your maternity jeans. That’s okay.
- Sex. Orgasm may make the uterus contract. Why? Your body produces oxytocin after orgasm. This hormone makes muscles, like the uterus, contract. Your partner’s semen contains prostaglandins that may also bring about contractions.
- Full bladder. A full bladder may put pressure on your uterus, causing contractions or cramping.
Related: Contractions after sex: Is this normal?
After you’ve confirmed with your doctor that what you’re experiencing are Braxton-Hicks and not labor contractions, you can relax. Quite literally — you should try to take it easy.
There is no medical treatment needed for these contractions. Try focusing on resting, drinking more fluids, and changing your position — even if that just means moving from the bed to the couch for a while.
Specifically, try:
- Going to the bathroom to empty your bladder. (Yeah, like you’re not doing that every hour already?)
- Drinking three to four glasses of water or other fluids, like milk, juice, or herbal tea. (Hence all the bathroom trips.)
- Lying on your left side, which may promote better blood flow to the uterus, kidneys, and placenta.
If this method isn’t working or you’re experiencing a lot of Braxton-Hicks, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about possible treatments. You may have what’s called an irritable uterus.
While lifestyle treatments are preferred, there are certain medications that may help ease your contractions.
Related: Irritable uterus and irritable uterus contractions
Braxton-Hicks aren’t the only cause of abdominal pain and cramping during pregnancy. And labor isn’t the only other option. Consider if you might be experiencing one of the following conditions.
Urinary tract infection
As your baby grows, the uterus presses on your bladder. Besides making sneezing dangerous, this means you need to pee more, but it also means there’s more opportunity for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Beyond abdominal pain, you may experience anything from burning with urination to more frequent/urgent trips to the bathroom to fever. UTIs can get worse and even impact the kidneys without treatment. You’ll need prescription medicine to clear the infection.
Gas or constipation
Gas and bloating may be worse during pregnancy due to high levels of the hormone progesterone.
Constipation is another stomach issue that may cause discomfort and even pain In fact, constipation is quite common during pregnancy.
If increasing your fluid and fiber intake and getting more exercise doesn’t help matters, ask your doctor about laxatives and stool softeners to help get things, uh, moving again.
Round ligament pain
Ouch! Sharp pain on the right or left side of your belly may be round ligament pain. The feeling is a brief, shooting sensation from your abdomen to your groin. Round ligament pain happens when the ligaments that support your uterus stretch to accommodate and support your growing belly.
More serious issues
Placental abruption is when the placenta detaches either partially or entirely from the uterus. It may cause intense, constant pain and make your uterus very tight or hard.
Preeclampsia is a condition when your blood pressure rises to unsafe levels. You may feel upper abdominal pain near your rib cage, particularly on your right side.
These issues require immediate medical attention. So, if you think you are having Braxton-Hicks contractions but the pain becomes severe and doesn’t let up, get medical help as soon as possible.
Be sure to contact your healthcare provider any time you have concerns about your pregnancy. Specifically with contractions, you want to be on the lookout for other early labor signs before you reach 37 weeks gestation.
These include:
- contractions that grow stronger, longer, and closer together
- continual backache
- pressure and cramping in your pelvis or lower abdomen
- spotting or bleeding from the vagina
- gush or trickle of amniotic fluid
- any other change in vaginal discharge
- not feeling your baby move at least 6 to 10 times in an hour
Am I overreacting?
Don’t worry! You may feel you’re being pesky, but doctors and midwives get false alarm calls all the time. Addressing your concerns is part of their job.
It’s better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to delivering your baby early. If you’re experiencing true labor, there may be things your provider can do to stop it if they’re notified in time and let your baby cook a little while longer.
Related: 6 telltale signs of labor
Still unsure if your contractions are real or “false” labor? Try timing them at home. Write down the time your contraction starts and when it finishes. Then write down the time from the end of one to the start of another. Record your findings over an hour’s time.
In general, it’s a good idea to call your doctor or midwife if you’ve had 6 or more contractions lasting 20 to 30 seconds — or if you have any other symptoms suggesting you’re in labor.
Otherwise, put your feet up (and maybe even get someone else to put some polish on your toes) and soak in these final moments before your little one arrives.
90,000 Braxton Hicks contractions. How to distinguish between false and real contractions? Braxton-Hicks contractions or false labor contractions are irregular contractions and relaxation of the muscles of the uterus as a way of preparing for true labor.
They are thought to start around 6 weeks of gestation but are not usually felt until the 2nd or 3rd trimester.
False contractions are a normal part of pregnancy. They may be uncomfortable, but not painful. Women describe them as a feeling that feels like mild menstrual cramps or tightness in a specific area of the abdomen that quickly resolves. nine0003
They are also irregular in duration and intensity, occur infrequently, are unpredictable and not rhythmic, and are more uncomfortable than painful.
Braxton Hicks contractions tend to increase in frequency and intensity towards the end of pregnancy. Women often mistake Braxton Hicks contractions for real labor. However, unlike real contractions, they do not dilate the cervix and result in the birth of a baby.
Braxton Hicks contractions occur when the muscle fibers of the uterus contract and relax. The exact etiology of Braxton Hicks contractions is unknown. However, there are circumstances that can cause them:
- when the woman is very active,
- when the bladder is full,
- after sexual activity,
- when the woman is dehydrated.
Common among all these circumstances is the potential stress on the fetus and the need for increased blood flow to the placenta to provide oxygen to the fetus.
- Change position or activity level: if you were very active, lie down; if you have been sitting for a long time, go for a walk. nine0014
- Relax: take a warm bath, massage, read a book, listen to music or take a nap.
If you have Braxton Hicks contractions or if they continue and become more frequent and intense, you should see your doctor.
When assessing for Braxton Hicks contractions, there are a few key questions to ask yourself. We have prepared a table for you with questions, the answers to which will help you understand what kind of contractions you have:
| Braxton Higgs contractions | Real labor pains | |
|---|---|---|
| How often do contractions occur? | Irregular and do not increase over time. | Occurs at regular intervals and gets stronger over time. |
| How long do contractions last? | Unpredictable. They can last less than 30 seconds or up to 2 minutes. nine0048 | Lasts 30 to 90 seconds and gets longer over time. |
| How strong are the contractions? | Usually weak and either stay the same or get weaker and then disappear. | Increase over time. |
| Where do contractions feel? | Often only felt in the front of the abdomen or in one specific area. | Begin in the middle of the back and wrap around the belly towards the midline. nine0048 |
| Do abbreviations change with movement? | May stop if activity level changes or if woman's position changes. | Continue and may even get worse with movement or change of position. |
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How does Braxton Hicks feel? - Drink-Drink
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Contents
- What are Braxton Hicks contractions like? nine0014
- Braxton Hicks against contractions
- What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?
- Are there treatments for Braxton Hicks?
- Other causes of abdominal pain
- Urinary tract infection
- Gas or constipation
- Round ligament pain
- More serious problems
- Too much when to call a doctor
- Am I overreacting?
- Conclusion
Between all the trips to the bathroom, reflux after every meal, and nausea galore, you're probably fed up with less-than-fun pregnancy symptoms.
(Where's that radiance they always talk about?) As soon as you think you're clean, you feel tension in your stomach. And then another. nine0003
Don't grab your hospital bag and run out the door just yet. What you are probably experiencing is called Braxton-Hicks contractions or "false labor". Feeling them can be exciting and sometimes unsettling, but that doesn't mean your baby is due today or even next week. On the contrary, Braxton Hicks is a sign that your body is preparing for the main event.
What do Braxton Hicks contractions look like?
Braxton Hicks contractions feel like tension in the lower abdomen. The degree of tightness can be different. You may not even notice some weak contractions, but stronger contractions can take your breath away. nine0003
Some women describe it as feeling like menstrual cramps, so if Aunt Flo gives you a number every month, you know what's in store for you with Braxton Hicks.
Unlike true labor pains, Braxton Hicks contractions do not converge.
They come and go, weaker or stronger, without any pattern.
These contractions may start as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy. However, chances are you won't feel them until you're in your second or third trimester. nine0003
They may be rare at first, occurring only a few times a day. As you enter your third trimester and approach labor, your Braxton Hicks contractions may occur several times an hour for hours on end (much like asking strangers about when you are due to give birth).
They will be especially frequent if you have been on your feet a lot or are dehydrated. As a result, contractions may stop after you rest, drink water, or change position. nine0003
Again, Braxton-Hicks may gradually help thin and soften the cervix, but they will not cause dilatation during your baby's birth.
Related: What are the different types of contractions like?
Braxton Hicks against labor pains
So how can you tell Braxton Hicks syndrome from labor pains? The good news is that there are some differentiating factors that can help you figure it out.
Please note that whenever you are having contractions or wondering if you are in labor or not, it is recommended that you see your doctor or midwife. nine0003
| Braxton Hicks | Employment contracts | |
|---|---|---|
| When they start | Initially, but most women don't feel them until the second or third trimester. | 37 weeks - any term can be a sign of preterm labor |
| How they feel | Tightness, discomfort. Can be strong or weak, but does not get stronger gradually. | Severe constriction, pain, spasms. They can be so intense that you can't walk or talk during them. Get worse over time. nine0048 |
| Where you feel them | Front belly | Start at the back, wrap around the belly. |
| How long do they last | 30 seconds to 2 minutes | 30 to 70 seconds; longer over time |
| How often do they occur | Irregular; cannot be calculated from the pattern | Get longer, stronger and closer together |
| When they stop | May disappear with position change, rest or hydration | Don't relax |
What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?
The exact cause of Braxton-Hicks contractions is unknown.
However, there are some triggers that seem to trigger them somewhat universally. The researchers say this is because certain activities or situations can stress the baby in the womb. The contractions can help increase blood flow to the placenta and give the baby more oxygen. nine0003
Possible causes:
- Dehydration. Pregnant women need 10 to 12 cups of fluid every day, so grab a bottle of water and start drinking.
- Activity. You may notice Braxton-Hicks syndrome later in the day after being on your feet too much or after heavy exercise. Sometimes strenuous exercise can just fit into your maternity jeans. This is fine.
- Sex. nine0224 Orgasm can cause uterine contractions. Why? Your body releases oxytocin after an orgasm. This hormone causes muscles such as the uterus to contract. Your partner's semen contains prostaglandins, which can also cause contractions.
- Full bladder. A full bladder can put pressure on the uterus, causing contractions or spasms.
Related: Contractions after sex: is this normal?
Are there treatments for Braxton Hicks? nine0134
Once you have confirmed to your doctor that what you are experiencing is Braxton-Hicks syndrome and not labor pains, you can relax. Literally, you should try to calm down.
Drug treatment is not required for these contractions. Try to focus on resting, drinking more fluids, and changing positions — even if it just means moving from bed to sofa for a while.
In particular, try:
- Going to the bathroom to empty the bladder. (Yeah, like don't you do it every hour anymore?)
- Drink three to four glasses of water or other liquids such as milk, juice, or herbal tea. (Hence all the toilet trips.)
- Lying on your left side can improve blood flow to your uterus, kidneys, and placenta.
If this method does not work or you have many Braxton-Hicks syndromes, do not hesitate to ask your doctor about possible treatments.
You may have what is called an irritable uterus. While lifestyle treatments are preferred, there are certain medications that can help ease contractions. nine0003
Related: Irritable uterus and irritable uterine contractions
Other causes of abdominal pain
A Braxton-Hicks diagnosis is not the only cause of abdominal pain and cramps during pregnancy. And labor is not the only option. Think you might be experiencing one of the following conditions.
Urinary tract infection
As the baby grows, the uterus presses on the bladder. In addition to making sneezing dangerous, this means you need to urinate more, but it also means there are more opportunities for urinary tract infections (UTIs). nine0003
In addition to abdominal pain, you may experience anything from burning when urinating to more frequent/urgent trips to the toilet and fever. UTIs can get worse and even affect the kidneys without treatment. You will need prescription medication to get rid of the infection.
Gas or constipation
Gas and bloating may increase during pregnancy due to high levels of the hormone progesterone. Constipation is another stomach problem that can cause discomfort and even pain. In fact, constipation is quite common during pregnancy. nine0003
If increasing fluid and fiber intake and increasing physical activity don't help, ask your doctor about laxatives and stool softeners to help you move again.
Round ligament pain
Oops! Sharp pain in the right or left side of the abdomen may be associated with pain in the round ligament. Sensation short-lived, shooting sensation from abdomen to groin. Round ligament pain occurs when the ligaments that support the uterus stretch to accommodate and support a growing belly. nine0003
More serious problems
Placental abruption is when the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterus. This can cause severe, constant pain and make your uterus very tight or hard.
Pre-eclampsia is a condition in which blood pressure rises to an unsafe level.
You may feel pain in the upper abdomen near the chest, especially on the right side.
These problems require immediate medical attention. So, if you think you're having Braxton Hicks contractions, but the pain gets severe and doesn't go away, seek medical help as soon as possible. nine0003
When to call your doctor
Be sure to call your doctor every time you have concerns about pregnancy. Particularly when you are in labor, you need to watch for other early signs of labor before you reach 37 weeks pregnant.
These include:
- contractions that become stronger, longer and closer together
- persistent back pain
- pressure and cramps in the pelvis or lower abdomen
- spotting or bleeding from the vagina
- stream or trickle of amniotic fluid
- any other change in vaginal discharge
- do not feel your baby move at least 6-10 times per hour
Am I overreacting?
Don't worry! You may feel like you're being annoying, but doctors and midwives get false alarms all the time.
