Braxton Hicks contractions are intermittent, painless contractions that can happen every 10 to 20 minutes any time after 12 or 13 weeks of pregnancy. Not every pregnant woman will necessarily notice them, while others will have frequent occurrences. Braxton Hicks contractions are named after a British gynecologist John Braxton Hicks, who first described them (Taber's Medical dictionary).
These are commonly referred to as false labor or practice contractions. Many doctors believe that the purpose of Braxton Hicks contractions is to prepare the cervix and uterus for labor (American Pregnancy Association).
Usually pregnant women are able to notice this tightening when they run their hands over their bellies, while others are able to feel this tightening without using their hands at all. Ceratin women may notice these contractions because they may feel uncomfortable.
Telling The Difference Between Braxton Hicks and True Labor Contractions
One of most common fears among pregnant women is that they will be unable to decipher if what they are feeling in late pregnancy are true labor contractions or false labor contractions. Many first-time mothers may possibly head to the hospital believing that they are in labor, when what they are actually experiencing is Braxton Hicks.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, the following are characteristics of Braxton Hicks contractions:
- Sporadic, irregular and don't increase in intensity
- No exact pattern of contractions
- Painless
- Diminish with change in position or activity
- No change in frequency
True labor contractions are characterized as:
- Regular and becoming increasingly painful
- Gradually becoming longer in length
- Getting closer in frequency
- Follow a distinct pattern
- Are not alleviated with change in position or activity
As the pregnancy progresses, these Braxton Hicks contractions may actually become more intense, and may even become painful. It's important to note that even if these contractions become intense or painful, paying attention to the frequency and pattern of the contactions will help to distinguish whether or not they are true labor contractions. If they start to ease up and diminish, they are most likely Braxton Hicks.
Possible Triggers Of Braxton Hicks Contractions
Certain activities can trigger these contractions to start (American Pregnancy Association). These can include:
- Increased physical activity
- Full bladder
- Sexual Intercourse
- Dehydration
- Touching the belly
- Active baby
The following suggestions may help to alleviate the discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions (allexperts.com):
- Changing positions
- Light physical activity, such as walking
- Taking a warm bath (not hot)
- Drinking some water to off-set possible dehydration
- Drinking a warm cup of milk
- Urinating when necessary and avoiding a full bladder
When to Call The Doctor
Although Braxton Hicks contractions are harmless preparations for labor, it is important to be able to distinguish these form true labor contractions. In pregnancies that are under 37 weeks gestation, a trip to the doctor's office would be recommended if the contractions take on the characteristics of true labor contractions as described above.
In addition, if there is any vaginal bleeding, or lower back pain and cramping, these can be signs of premature labor (emedicine.com). These are symptoms that should be checked into even if the pregnancy is past 37 weeks. Going to the hospital is necessary if the waters have broken. The baby must be delivered within 24 hours of the waters breaking in order to minimize the risk of infection.
The most important thing for a pregnant woman is to pay close attention to the signs that her body is giving her.
For more pregnancy-related information, please visit: www.complete-pregnancy-guide.com
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