Know What are Braxton Hicks Contractions 

 

It’s normal to wonder how you’ll know when you’re in work towards the end of your pregnancy. It can be particularly confusing if in the second or third trimester you experience contractions that go away without leading to labor. These contractions are called Braxton Hicks Contractions, and they are one of the ways your body gets ready for labor. 

Without anxious moments, very few women go through pregnancy, and Braxton Hicks contractions are among the experiences that can cause a great deal of anxiety. Braxton Hicks Contractions or false labor can be described as a way to prepare your body for the big day you bring your baby into the world. For pregnant women, false alarms are a way of life, and contractions from Braxton Hicks feel like the real thing. 

 

What Is Braxton Hicks Contractions

 

Also recognized as “false” or “practice” contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions are not true labor contractions, but they are triggered by way of the muscle tissue of the uterus tightening, just as real labor contractions are. Knowing what Braxton Hicks contractions feel like can help you decide whether you’re experiencing practice or actual labor contractions when they occur. False contractions generally sense like a tight squeezing of the stomach or like familiar menstrual cramps.

You don’t necessarily want to do something if you experience Braxton Hicks contractions. Taking a walk, resting, or altering positions would possibly help them go away, but each woman’s ride is different.

Braxton Hicks Contractions vs. True Labor Contractions

 

If your being pregnant isn’t yet full term, you may fear you’re going into preterm labor at the first sign of a contraction. You may also wonder whether or not the contraction you’re feeling is another Braxton Hicks or if it’s eventually the actual deal.

To help sort this out, you may desire to familiarise your self with the symptoms of labor and to preserve these Braxton Hicks signs in mind:

• False contractions are irregular and do now not get nearer collectively in time. A precise way to double-check is to time the contractions.
• False contractions are vulnerable and don’t get stronger, or they start strong, however then get weaker. However, as your due date approaches, greater and extra customary Braxton Hicks contractions may occur.
• Practice contractions stop when you walk, rest, or change positions.
• You experience the discomfort of the contractions at the front of your abdomen. (True contractions can begin at the again and move towards the front of your abdomen.)

While you may additionally also be wondering: How prolonged do Braxton Hicks last, these contractions are irregular, and they can even end in response to your movements. They are higher likely to take place in the afternoon or nighttime or after vigorous bodily activity.

Call your physician if you’re in doubt about what you are experiencing, or if you observe any of the following:

• Contractions continue even when you move
• Contractions come at regular intervals and get more desirable and more regular over time
• Bleeding from vagina
• Your vagina leaks fluid 

Do Braxton Hicks hurt? Although these false contractions are absolutely normal, Braxton Hicks contractions can occasionally be painful, so contact your doctor for a recommendation if you experience any pain.

 

When Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Start?

 

After 20 weeks of pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions can start anytime, but they only become noticeable in later pregnancy. Starting with minor discomfort, they may increase to imitate labor pains and among many pregnant women have been known to cause false alarms.

These contractions usually cause less pain compared to actual work, and they do not occur at a fixed frequency. They are similar to menstrual cramps, and in the lower part of the abdomen, some women experience a tight sensation.

However, the strength and frequency of the contractions also change as the pregnancy progresses. Contractions of Braxton Hicks at 30 weeks can last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. 

If the pain becomes severe or you have any doubts about the nature of the contractions, you should consult the doctor.

 

Braxton Hicks Contractions Causes

 

You may experience Braxton Hicks contractions during your pregnancy due to the following reasons:

• If you are active most of the time and are engaged in body movements, these contractions may get triggered due to the movement of the baby inside the womb
• In case the  bladder is full, it may result in contractions of Braxton Hicks
• If someone touches your belly, these contractions could be triggered
• Sexual excitement, especially after the act, can lead to contractions
• If your body is dehydrated to levels below normal, this may cause contractions

 

Braxton Hicks Symptoms That Need Attention

 

While Braxton Hicks contractions are commonly not something to worry about, you may additionally favor speaking to your doctor if contractions are increasing in frequency and are getting painful, prior to your accomplishments in the 37th week. Watch out for these symptoms of Braxton Hicks contractions in the 3rd  trimester:

• Cramping or belly pain
• Increased in vaginal discharge, bleeding or spotting
• Growing ache in the lower back
• In an hour more than a 4 contractions

In case you notice any of these symptoms, seek advice from your doctor.

 

Treatment Of Braxton Hicks Contractions

 

Even though in most cases these contractions don’t hurt, you may feel uncomfortable and uneasy. To ease and alleviate any pain that may accompany this discomfort you can try the following measures:

• Once the contractions of Braxton Hicks commence, change your position or the current activity. if you walk, rest a while and you rest, try to walk quickly, although slowly
• If the reason for contractions is dehydration, you should drink water and be hydrated to prevent contractions from recurring. You can also get a hot cup of herbal tea
• Engage in some relaxation exercise or practice for a while slow yet deep breathing. Although this will not stop the contractions, you will feel better and more relaxed.
• Immediately relieve yourself if your bladder feels full. This may reduce the contractions of Braxton Hicks. Remember, the uterus gets irritated by a full bladder.
• In case of  traveling, make sure you take enough toilet breaks to keep the inconvenience of contractions away
• If the contractions are regular, take a cookie or a biscuit and avoid hunger pangs by taking small and nutritious meals at regular intervals
• If you’re up to it, a 30-minute warm and relaxing bath can help reduce the contractions of Braxton Hicks. You can also cuddle in a soft towel with a warm water bag or bottle.

Braxton Hicks contractions can cause some discomfort, but they’re a normal part of pregnancy and help your body get ready for the big day when you’re actually going into labor. To help you feel even more prepared, read about comfort measures during labor, and check out what to expect after childbirth in terms of healing. 

It’s best to talk to your doctor about Braxton Hicks contractions. Your doctor will help you understand the symptoms or alarms you should be watching for as each pregnancy is different. If you’re not sure about your contractions, call your doctor and follow his / her advice.

Also Read: During Pregnancy, Is Morning Sickness A Good Sign?