Braxton Hicks Contractions: All You Need To Know About False Labour

Do you remember the fire drills in school? The specially designed evacuation program trains you to get to safety in an emergency. Braxton Hicks contractions work a lot for pregnant mums like those fire drills. They are a natural drill that prepares you for labour.

But unlike the fire drill, you don't need to assume there's a fire. Braxton Hicks contractions feel all too real with the tightening and hardening of the uterus that will last between 30 seconds and two minutes. Rest assured, expecting mums, you will undergo Braxton Hicks contractions at some point during the pregnancy and the more you know about it, the better prepared you will be to handle them.

Do note that these contractions are completely regular, and there's nothing to be concerned about concerning your health or the baby. Here's all you need to know about false labour pains or Braxton Hicks contractions. 

What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are also called "false labour." They're irregular, painless contractions in the later stages of pregnancy. They're typically nothing to worry about and don't affect your baby.

The contractions are named after John Braxton Hicks, the English physician who first described them back in 1872. He investigated the later stages of pregnancy and noted that women felt contractions without being near birth. The contractions were usually painless but created confusion in women about going into actual labour. 

When you're pregnant, your uterus stretches to accommodate your growing baby. As it stretches, it contracts to help move the baby into the birth canal. Braxton Hicks contractions occur when these uterine contractions occur more frequently or more intensely than normal.

The frequency and intensity of Braxton Hicks's contractions vary greatly from person to person. Still, most women experience mild cramps in their lower abdomen that come and go throughout the day. They can be strong enough for you to notice them—and even feel like they're getting worse—but they shouldn't cause pain or discomfort.

If you're concerned about your contractions, talk with your doctor or midwife about what's normal for you during pregnancy to recognise if something changes over time or becomes more severe.

Braxton Hicks Feeling

What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?

Braxton Hicks contractions are usually felt in the abdomen. They can be sharp, mild, or painless, but they may not always be noticeable.

Braxton Hicks contractions are kind of similar to cramping, but they shouldn't hurt too much. They should be uncomfortable but not painful. You shouldn't be able to feel them if you're not pregnant, so if you can feel them, it's probably Braxton Hicks. If you've been getting Braxton Hicks for more than a few days, it may mean your baby's coming soon!

When Can You Feel Braxton Hicks Contractions

At what weeks do Braxton Hicks start?

Braxton Hicks contractions are most likely to happen when you're sitting or lying down. You may notice them when you're at home watching TV or reading a book, but they can also happen when you're doing something active like walking around the block or doing yard work.

What Happens In Braxton Hicks Contractions

Some of the common things that women experience during Braxton Hicks contractions include:

• Usually painless, but some expecting mums do compare it to mild menstrual cramps
• You may feel the baby bump tighten up and then go back to normal
• They are sporadic and don't occur in a pattern
• They last for about 30 seconds to two minutes
• Some women can have them several times a day 
• They usually occur during the second trimester of the pregnancy 
• Women who've been pregnant before, though, may experience them earlier 
• The contractions taper off or disappear 

What Triggers Braxton Hicks Contractions

Some of the most common triggers of Braxton hicks contractions include: 

• Dehydration 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Fetus movement
• When you lift something heavy
• After exercise or intercourse
• At the end of the day, the mind and body are calm once the work is complete.

A common characteristic among all the triggers is the potential for stress on the fetus and the need to increase blood flow to the placenta to provide fetal oxygenation.

The contractions cause the blood to flow to the chorionic plate on the fetal side of the placenta.

Is It Normal to Have Braxton Hicks All Day

These contractions are not the same as the real thing. They're just practice contractions. But if they're happening all day, that can signify preterm labour.

Call your doctor immediately if you've been having Braxton Hicks contractions for more than hours. You could be in early labour and need to be checked out.

But if you've only had them for a few minutes throughout the day, that's pretty normal. You might feel like they're getting stronger and closer together, but if they don't last five to 10 minutes at a time and aren't getting closer together, then that's probably just Braxton Hicks.

Does Braxton Hicks Have Any Effect on the Fetus

Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as practice or false contractions, are a natural part of pregnancy and do not have any direct effect on the baby.

These contractions occur in the uterus and play a role in conditioning it for giving birth, as well as preparing the cervix for delivery. They are considered a normal occurrence and are not an indication that labour is imminent.

How Do I Know if It’s Braxton Hicks or Baby Moving

Braxton Hicks contractions are normal and common. They are irregular, don't cause pain, and happen every 10 minutes. They're just your body practising when your baby's ready to come out!

But sometimes, you might feel like your baby is kicking, moving, or even turning over—even though they're not doing any of those things. This can make it hard to tell if it's just Braxton Hicks or your baby moving around. So here's how to tell them apart, in a nutshell:

Braxton Hicks Contractions

• Causes: Everyday events such as vigorous rubbing of the uterus, increased activity by the mother or baby, sexual intercourse, dehydration, having a full bladder, stress, and inadequate sleep.
• Feeling: Painless tightenings that feel like the muscles across the belly are tightening. They last for up to 1 minute at a time and can be uncomfortable but not painful.
• Timing: Typically occur during the third trimester of pregnancy, and they are irregular and do not increase in frequency as delivery approaches.
• Purpose: Prepare the uterus and cervix for giving birth and are considered practice contractions.

Fetal Movements

• Causes: Fetal movements are a result of the baby's natural movements and reflexes inside the womb.
• Feeling: Mothers feel the baby's movements, such as kicks, rolls, and hiccups, which can vary in intensity and frequency.
• Timing: Fetal movements can be felt throughout the pregnancy, becoming more noticeable as the baby grows and becomes more active.
• Purpose: Fetal movements are essential for monitoring the baby's health and development and are a reassuring sign of the baby's well-being.

Remember, both Braxton Hicks contractions and fetal movements are normal aspects of pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions help prepare the body for labor, while fetal movements indicate the baby's growth and activity inside the womb.

Other Causes of Abdomen Pain in Pregnancy

Abdominal pain during pregnancy can arise from various causes, and while Braxton Hicks contractions are a common reason, there are other factors that can lead to discomfort in the abdomen.

This pain can result from both obstetric and non-obstetric etiologies, and diagnosing and managing these conditions can be challenging due to the physiological changes that occur during gestation. Some of the other causes of abdominal pain in pregnancy include:

1. Acute Appendicitis: Acute appendicitis is the most common non-obstetric surgical emergency during pregnancy. It can occur in any trimester, but it is most frequently seen in the second trimester. Classic symptoms, such as pain shifting to the right lower quadrant, may be altered in advanced pregnancy. 

2. Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, known as cholecystitis, can also cause abdominal pain in pregnancy. Symptoms may include right upper quadrant pain, fever, and nausea. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can contribute to gallstone formation and increase the risk of cholecystitis.

3. Acute Pancreatitis: Although rare, acute pancreatitis can occur during pregnancy. It may present with severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated pancreatic enzyme levels.

4. Ectopic Pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition where the embryo implants outside the uterus, commonly in the fallopian tube. It can cause abdominal pain, often with vaginal bleeding. 

5. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are more common during pregnancy due to changes in the urinary system. Symptoms may include lower abdominal pain, urinary urgency, and pain or burning during urination.

6. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Pregnancy-related changes can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, and bloating, which may cause abdominal discomfort.

7. Round Ligament Pain: As the uterus expands, the round ligaments supporting it can stretch, leading to sharp or aching pains in the lower abdomen. This pain is usually brief but can be intense.

8. Uterine Contractions: Apart from Braxton Hicks contractions, regular uterine contractions (contractions that lead to labour) can cause abdominal pain as the pregnancy progresses.

Remember, any persistent or severe abdominal pain during pregnancy should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Difference Between Braxton Hicks & Actual Labour Contractions

How can I tell if it's Braxton Hicks or it's actual labour?

Unlike Braxton Hicks, true labour will continue after the first couple of minutes, and the pain will only increase with time as you enter active labour.

If your contractions occur regularly, you could be in labour and should call your doctor immediately. If any of the following is happening to you, you may have to head to a hospital immediately: 

• Contractions keep coming every 10 minutes or more than six times per hour
• They do not disappear even after you've taken a walk or had a large glass of water
• Your water broke, or you have unusual vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding
• Contractions are closer to your due date 
• You are unable to walk through the contractions
• Noticeable change in the fetal movement 

Some experts suggest that Braxton Hicks happens when the uterus rehearses for delivery. This helps at the time of labour by softening the cervix. Contrary to belief, these contractions do not play in role in dilating the cervix. 

Here's a table comparing Braxton Hicks contractions to real contractions:

How To Ease Discomfort During Braxton Hicks Contractions

These contractions can make you feel extremely uncomfortable. If you find yourself in such a position, try using a Belly Band, a soft cotton material that provides comfort and support. Its adjustable size allows you to customize it according to your belly size and gestational age of the baby. Other methods to ease your discomfort include:

• Drink a tall glass of water since dehydration can be one of the reasons for contractions
• Lay down and relax or take a walk around the house 
• Practice deep breathing exercises
• Don't hold your pee, and make sure to relieve yourself regularly 

When to Call the Doctor

If you are close to your due date and unsure whether you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions or actual labour contractions, it is advisable to check in directly with your doctor for proper evaluation and guidance.

If you experience painful contractions before your due date, especially before your third trimester, seek immediate emergency care as this could be a sign of pregnancy complications or preterm birth.

If you are unsure whether the contractions are actual labour or Braxton Hicks, contact your gynaecologist. Based on the symptoms, the doctor will either ask you to go to the hospital or relax at home and allow it to pass. 

Updates by Pheona Ilagan

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