Braxton hicks contractions can be considered as the body’s way of preparing itself for birth. It is not easy to push a seven-pound infant out of the body. Braxton Hicks contractions can help the uterus get a little bit of practice. If you have been pregnant before, it will be difficult to differentiate the Braxton Hicks contractions form the real contractions.
The name “Braxton Hicks” comes from John Braxton Hicks, a British doctor who was the first to describe these contractions that were occurring before the real labour. When these contractions start, new mothers run off to the hospital only to be told to go back home. These contractions can be stressful, painful, and time-consuming. The reason behind these early-onset contractions is pregnancy hormones. These hormones start teaching the uterus how to contract to help prepare the body for birth.
When the body is ready to push the baby out of the uterus and into the world, a series of changes occur in the brain and body. The brain releases signals that cause oxytocin and prostaglandins to enter the bloodstream and these hormones cause labour contractions to begin. At first, many women relate the contractions to Braxton Hicks, gas, or common pregnancy pains, but soon the body starts rolling in a more regular pattern of pain and the scenario changes a bit.
It is important to note that labour contractions come in three forms:
False labour contractions can include a series of contractions that feel very much like active labour contractions but have no effect on cervical dilation and effacement. Braxton Hicks contractions are common from week 32 until birth. Active labour contractions occur during the birthing process and start with regular contractions that thin and open the cervix.
READ: How to Identify Labour Pain: 14 Signs to Watch For
Here are some of the signs of active labour that needs to be checked and noted:
If any of these signs accompany the labour contractions, the baby is on the way and you should call your doctor or midwife.
READ: Factors that influence the progress of childbirth
Some mothers choose to go through labour without taking any pain medications. That choice is complete of the woman. If you are having natural childbirth, you can try breathing, walking, and shifting position to get a little relief from the pain. However, if you choose to take pain medications, you need to discuss this beforehand at the hospital.
Braxton Hicks contractions have been described as the feeling of abdomen tightening that comes and goes. They are different than the real contractions in the following ways:
If you are not over 37 weeks of pregnancy and are having more than 3 to 4 contractions per hour, you should call the doctor immediately as it might be a sign of premature labour.
Each woman feels contraction differently and they may even differ from one pregnancy to another. Usually, the labour contractions will cause a dull ache or discomfort in the lower abdomen and the back. You might also feel some pressure in the pelvis, your thighs and sides. Some women have described contractions pain similar to menstrual cramps. Some others have described them as strong waves similar to the diarrhoea cramps.
False labour will feel a lot like active labour, especially if you are giving birth for the first time. Braxton Hicks contractions begin usually in the second trimester. False labour is mostly comprised of strong Braxton Hicks contractions. Consider this as an exercise for the uterus. It will be accompanied by pain in the back and the abdomen. During the contractions, your uterus will contract and get tightened. Don’t worry about these as it is very common. Also, they don’t cause thinning or effacement of the cervix. Here are some signs that will help you in determining if you are having active or false labour contractions:
Progression: One thing about the active labour contractions is that they are progressive. They will begin light and gradually turn into strong, hard pains. The time between each contraction will also slowly increase. When the active labour starts, contractions occur at an interval of 20 to 30 minutes. As the labour progresses further, the time between the contractions reduces until they reach about 2 minutes apart.
Walk it Off: to tell if you are having active or false labour, you should try walking. A woman going through the Braxton Hicks contraction will be eased off when she rests or walks around. This is not the same case for real labour contractions.
Location: The location of the real and false contraction is different as well. False labour contractions are associated with pain in the front and pelvic area. Active labour contractions are present in the lower back area. It also spreads to the front of the abdomen.
If you are in doubt, you should contact your doctor regarding the pain and the contractions.
For figuring out if you are having true labour or not, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
|
Contraction Characteristics |
False Labor |
True Labor |
|
How often do the contractions occur? |
Contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together |
Contractions come at regular intervals and last about 30-70 seconds. As time goes on, they get closer together. |
|
Do they change with movement? |
Contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop if you change positions |
Contractions continue despite movement or changing positions |
|
How strong are they? |
Contractions are usually weak and do not get much stronger. Or they may be strong at first and then get weaker. |
Contractions steadily increase in strength |
|
Where do you feel the pain? |
Contractions are usually only felt in the front of the abdomen or pelvic region |
Contractions usually start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen |
If you display any of the following symptoms, you might be going through the true labor:
However, if you are having Braxton Hicks contractions, you don’t have to do anything. If you are feeling uncomfortable, you can try one of the following:
|
Braxton Hicks Contractions |
True Labor |
|
Irregular in intensity |
Strong |
If you are having Braxton Hicks contractions and you are not going through premature labour, it will not affect the baby. Some doctors believe that these contractions tone up the uterus and promotes blood flow to the placenta. So, it acts as nourishment.
Braxton Hicks contractions can be painful and annoying. If they are not the actual contractions, they cannot be treated. They are very common and you have nothing to worry about. However, if you are having contractions before the 37th week of pregnancy or feeling more than contractions in an hour, it may be a sign of preterm labor. In such cases, contact your doctor immediately.
There is no way of preventing Braxton Hicks contractions. All you can do is stay hydrated, don’t overdo any physical activity, and look out for the signs of preterm or premature labor.
? Bright red vaginal bleeding
? Continuous leaking of fluid or wetness
? Strong contractions every 5 minutes for an hour
? Contractions that you are unable to "walk through"
? A noticeable change in your baby's movement or if you feel less than 10 movements every two hours
? Any symptoms of contractions if you are not yet 37 weeks.
