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Braxton Hicks Contractions | American Pregnancy Association

You might have heard this funny phrase before you were pregnant, but now you want to know what it means. The term originated in 1872 when an English doctor named John Braxton Hicks described the contractions that occur before real labor. Imagine constantly thinking, “This must be it,” only to find out that it wasn’t. Doctors and pregnant women have Dr. Hicks to thank for eliminating the confusion. The following information should be helpful in determining the difference between true labor and Braxton Hicks contractions.

Braxton Hicks contractions can begin as early as the second trimester.  However, they are most commonly experienced in the third trimester. When this happens, the muscles of the uterus tighten for approximately 30 to 60 seconds, and sometimes as long as two minutes.

Braxton Hicks are also called “practice contractions” because they are a preparation for the real event and allow the opportunity to practice the breathing exercises taught in childbirth classes.

What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?

Braxton Hicks contractions start as an uncomfortable but painless tightening that begins at the top of your uterine muscles and spreads downwards. They cause your abdomen to become very hard and strangely contorted (almost pointy). Once you get closer to your estimated due date, they will become more frequent and intense.

They are described as:

• Irregular in intensity and usually last about 15 to 30 seconds, but sometimes as long as two minutes
• Infrequent
• Unpredictable
• Non-rhythmic
• More uncomfortable than painful (although for some women Braxton Hicks can feel painful)
• They do not increase in intensity or frequency
• They taper off and then disappear altogether

If your contractions are easing up in any way, they are most likely Braxton Hicks.

What causes them?

There are possible causes of these contractions. Some physicians and midwives believe that they play a part in toning the uterine muscle and promoting the flow of blood to the placenta. They are not thought to have a role in dilating the cervix but might have some impact on the softening of the cervix.

However, as Braxton Hicks contractions intensify nearer the time of delivery, the contractions are often referred to as false labor. When this occurs, it can help the dilation and effacement process.

What triggers them?

The following are triggers of Braxton Hicks:

• When the mother or the baby is very active
• If someone touches the mother’s belly
• When the bladder is full
• After sex
• Dehydration

What can I do to alleviate Braxton Hicks contractions?

• Change positions. You can lie down if you have been standing or go for a walk if you have been sitting or laying
• Take a warm bath for 30 minutes or less
• Because contractions may be brought on by dehydration, drink a couple of glasses of water
• Drink a warm cup of herbal tea or milk

If none of these steps work, you should contact your health care provider.

Want to Know More?

• Signs of Labor
• Pregnancy Pains
• Stages of Labor: Stage 1

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. William’s Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. 17.

2. Mayo Clinic Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy Harms, Roger W., M.D., et al, Ch. 11.

What are training bouts? | VOKB №1

As you know, the birth of a baby is preceded by labor pains. Contractions are contractions of the walls of the uterus - a natural physiological process.

It is not uncommon for the uterus to contract during pregnancy, but many women do not notice this. And those who are preparing to become mothers for the first time, on the contrary, perceive these contractions as a danger to the course of pregnancy and the unborn child. Therefore, it is very important that every pregnant woman be informed about training bouts at the earliest possible date. Women who have undergone theoretical training are more attentive to their health and observe the changes taking place. They can recognize for themselves when they are having training contractions and know how to respond to them. nine0003

Training contractions (or false contractions) are contractions of the uterine walls that do not dilate the cervix. They are for the female body a preparatory stage for future childbirth. False contractions are very important for labor, as they help smooth and soften the cervix and prepare it for the upcoming birth. The duration of muscle tension can be about 2 minutes. And their frequency of manifestation is up to several times per hour. False contractions do not increase in frequency or intensity. The term of occurrence occurs in the second and third trimester. nine0003

Main symptoms of training contractions:

1. Feeling of constriction and aching in the groin and lower abdomen.
2. Irregularity and irregularity of contractions.
3. Appear in only one area of ​​the abdomen.
4. Contractions can occur up to 6 times per hour.
5. False contractions do not radiate to the back, as happens with real contractions.
6. Does not cause severe pain. Inattentive women may not even notice such contractions. nine0016
7. Gradually disappear. After a small amount of time, the uterus calms down and becomes soft.

Reasons for the appearance of training contractions:

1. excessive activity, physical activity;
2. moving actions of the developing fetus
3. psycho-emotional stress, worries and worries due to future childbirth;
4. Bladder fullness;
5. Having sex during pregnancy. nine0016

In most cases, a woman can avoid training uterine contractions on her own. Pregnant women need to drink the required amount of water, not be nervous and remain calm until the very birth. It is not recommended to call training bouts on your own, because. the body is individual, and if false contractions do not appear, then there is no need for training for the body.

But if symptoms appear, they must be used for the purpose of practicing breathing exercises. Proper breathing will help alleviate the condition of the pregnant woman during labor. nine0003

Several methods of correct breathing:

1. After the end of the contraction, take a deep breath, and exhale slowly during the contraction.
2. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose, then exhale briefly through the mouth.
3. Take frequent, shallow breaths during the next contraction. However, this method, due to the low supply of oxygen, can lead to dizziness

What to do if you have training contractions? nine0012

1. Turn on relaxing music, calm down and tune in to positive thoughts.
2. Get into a comfortable position
3. Go for a light, leisurely walk
4. Drink enough water;
5. Do breathing exercises
6. Take a warm shower;

Alarms

Distinguish symptoms that require medical attention. To exclude and prevent the development of dangerous pathologies, with slight discomfort in the lower abdomen, you should consult a doctor. nine0003

When you need to see a doctor urgently:

1. severe pain in the back and lower abdomen;
2. bloody, mucous or watery discharge;
3. reduced fetal activity;
4. increased frequency of spasms
5. bleeding

With a normal intensity of the manifestation of training contractions, you don’t need to worry, because the body itself is preparing for the upcoming happy event - the birth of your baby! nine0003

Alekhina S.V. - senior nurse of the Perinatal Center

Bulgakova O.V. - senior midwife of the department of pathology of pregnancy No. 3

Braxton-Hicks contractions. How to distinguish between false and real contractions?

Braxton-Hicks contractions, or false labor pains, are irregular contractions and relaxation of the uterine muscles 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. nine0003

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.

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. nine0003

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 a 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. nine0003

• Change position or activity level: if you have been very active, lie down; if you have been sitting for a long time, go for a walk.
• 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 evaluating 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. Learn more How to remove child support from credit Signs of milk allergy in newborn What temperature is safe to take baby outside Moving of baby during pregnancy 7 weeks premature How to help breast milk supply How often can child take tylenol How does a father legitimize his child Braxton hicks causes Tablets for increasing breast milk When do they start crawling