5 common questions about Braxton Hicks contractions

Pregnancy exercises and workouts for moms-to-be include Kegel exercises and prenatal yoga. A prenatal workout is an important part of healthy living. Try these safe exercises for pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks Contractions (False Labor)

Braxton Hicks contractions are contractions of the uterus that occur during the third trimester of pregnancy. They are perfectly normal and have been said to represent contractions that occur as the uterus is preparing to give birth. In some women, they occur as early as the second trimester. Sometimes, Braxton Hicks contractions have been referred to as “false labor.”

In contrast to the contractions of true labor, Braxton Hicks contractions do not occur at regular intervals, do not get stronger over time, and do not last longer over time. They do not occur at predictable intervals, and they may disappear altogether for a time. They tend to become more frequent toward the end of pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks contractions are named after an English doctor, John Braxton Hicks, who first described them in 1872.

The last 20 years have seen the cost of medical care increase about 70% faster than the rate of general inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Research Division of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Healthcare inflation dropped to a historical low after 2010 but is again on the rise as of 2018, according to Bloomberg.

6 Early Signs of Labor

Symptoms that true labor is approaching

While there are characteristic changes in the body with impending labor, every woman’s experience is unique and different. “Normal” can vary from woman to woman. The signs and symptoms of true labor can begin three weeks prior to the anticipated due date up until two weeks afterward, and there is no precise way to predict exactly when a woman will go into labor. When signs and symptoms of labor do occur, they may include:

1. The mucus plug passes
2. The baby drops
3. You feel the need to urinate more frequently
4. Back pain
5. Contractions
6. Feeling the urge to have a bowel movement

What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?

Common events can sometimes trigger Braxton Hicks contractions, for example:

1. Increased activity of mother or baby
2. Touching of the maternal abdomen
3. Dehydration
4. Sexual intercourse
5. Distended maternal bladder

What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?

Braxton Hicks contractions are not typically as painful as those of true labor contractions. Some women describe them as a tightening sensation across the lower abdomen. They may feel similar to menstrual cramps in some women. The abdomen may become firm to the touch. They do not occur at regular intervals.

Which home remedies help relieve Braxton Hicks contraction discomfort and pain?

If Braxton Hicks contractions are uncomfortable, you can take these measures:

1. Change positions, take a walk, or rest if you have been active.
2. Drink a glass of water or a cup of herbal tea.
3. Perform relaxation exercises, deep breathing, or mental relaxation.
4. Eat something.
5. Bathe in a warm bath for up to 30 minutes.

When should I call my doctor about Braxton Hicks contractions?

Call your doctor or midwife if you haven’t reached 37 weeks and the contractions are increasing in frequency, are more painful, or you have any of the signs of preterm labor:

• Increasing vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, or spotting;
• Increasing low back pain or pelvic pressure;
• More than four contractions an hour;
• Menstrual-like cramping or abdominal pain.

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Medically Reviewed on 5/13/2022
References
Milton, Sarah Hagood. “Normal Labor and Delivery.” Medscape. Jan. 24, 2019. .

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Labor Symptoms (Early Signs)

Every woman’s experience with labor and delivery is unique for each woman, and thus “Normal” labor varies from woman to woman. Some of the common signs and symptoms of normal labor include the “baby dropping,” increase urination, back pain, contractions, and diarrhea.

Exercise & Pregnancy

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How Do Contractions Feel When They First Start?

Labor contractions, popularly known as contractions, refer to the tightening of a pregnant woman’s uterus (womb). Contractions feel like a gradual tightening of the abdominal muscles that increases in intensity and then relaxes.

Labor and Delivery

Early and later symptoms and signs of labor and delivery are unique to each woman. Early signs of labor are “lightning” and passing the mucus plug. Later symptoms and signs that labor that labor is are the woman’s water breaking, and when contractions begin. There are three stages of labor, stage 1 is the longest and occurs when the cervix begins to thin and dilate. During stage 2 of labor the baby passes through the birth canal and remains there until delivery, and stage 3, is when the baby is delivered.

Pregnancy (Week by Week, Trimesters)

Signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary by stage (trimester). The earliest pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue, and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Eating a healthy diet, getting a moderate amount of exercise, also are recommended for a healthy pregnancy. Information about the week by week growth of your baby in the womb are provided.

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Pregnancy Planning (Tips)

Pregnancy planning is an important step in preparation for starting or expanding a family. Planning for a pregnancy includes taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy for you and your baby, disease prevention (for both parents and baby) to prevent birth defects and infections, avoiding certain medications that may be harmful to your baby, how much weight gain is healthy exercise safety and pregnancy, travel during pregnancy.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs

Pregnancy symptoms can vary from woman to woman, and not all women experience the same symptoms. When women do experience pregnancy symptoms they may include symptoms include missed menstrual period, mood changes, headaches, lower back pain, fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and heartburn. Signs and symptoms in late pregnancy include leg swelling and shortness of breath. Options for relief of pregnancy symptoms include exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes.

Bleeding During Pregnancy (First Trimester)

Bleeding during pregnancy is never normal. Causes of bleeding during the first trimester of a pregnancy may be caused by implantation bleeding, ectopic or tubal pregnancy, subchorionic hemorrhaging, infections, and miscarriage. Bleeding during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors.

Sleep Disorders (How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep)

• Irritability
• Tiredness
• Feeling sleepy during the day
• Concentration or memory problems

Lack of sleep and insomnia can be caused by medical conditions or diseases, medications, stress, or pain. The treatment for lack of sleep and insomnia depends upon the cause.

What Is an Epidural Nerve Block?

An epidural nerve block is a procedure to block pain by injecting anesthetic medication into the epidural space. The epidural space is the area between the inner wall of the backbone (vertebral column) and the outermost of the three membranes (dura mater) that surround the spinal cord.

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Why Would A Newborn Need A Ventilator?

Some babies may have trouble breathing. Respiratory distress or failure may be the result of underdeveloped lungs or a congenital condition. The mechanical ventilator provides oxygen until the baby can breathe unassisted.

5 common questions about Braxton Hicks contractions

Some of the bodily changes during pregnancy can be confusing. For some women, Braxton Hicks contractions can be particularly puzzling. They are uncomfortable, but painless, contractions during pregnancy and are sometimes referred to as “false labor” pains.

Here are answers to 5 common questions about Braxton Hicks contractions:

1. What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?

Braxton Hicks contractions are mild, irregular contractions during pregnancy. They feel like tightness in your abdomen. Some women feel a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions, while some women don’t feel them at all. They typically last less than 30 seconds, and they are uncomfortable but rarely painful.

These contractions also tend to occur more often and become stronger as you approach your due date. Finally, they’re more likely to occur in the afternoon or evening, after physical activity, or after sex.

2. What is the purpose of Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions help tone your uterus’ muscles and prepare your cervix for birth.

3. How can you tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and labor contractions?

There are three primary differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and true contractions:

• Pattern
  Time your contractions from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next. Look for a regular pattern of contractions that get progressively stronger and closer together. Braxton Hicks contractions will remain irregular.
• Duration
  Time how long each contraction lasts. True contractions last about 30 to 70 seconds.
• Change
  True contractions continue regardless of your activity level or position. With false labor, the contractions might stop when you walk, rest or change position.

Contact your health care provider if contractions become regular and steadily increase in strength.

4. How can you ease the discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions?

For some women, Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable, and they tend to become stronger as their due dates approach.

Here are a few things to try to relieve any unpleasant feelings:

• Change your position, such as lying down or going for a walk.
• Take a warm bath.
• Get a massage from your partner.
• Practice your breathing exercises.

5. What happens if you go to the hospital and you’re not actually in labor?

During pregnancy, expect false alarms. No one knows for sure what triggers labor, and every woman’s experience is different. Sometimes it’s hard to tell when labor begins.

Don’t hesitate to call your health care provider if you’re confused about whether you’re in labor or if you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. Preterm labor can be especially sneaky. If you have any signs of labor before 37 weeks, especially if you also experience vaginal spotting, consult your health care provider.

If you arrive at the hospital in false labor, don’t feel embarrassed or frustrated. Think of it as a practice run. The real thing is likely on its way.

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