Braxton Hicks contractions are the body's way of preparing for true labor. These practice contractions are normally painless, and are not associated with any dilation of the cervix. They usually ease up with activity or a change in position.
Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, you may have already experienced a number of Braxton Hicks contractions. That tightening that you feel from time to time in your uterus may feel like real labor, but it is actually a Braxton Hicks contraction. These contractions happen when your brain sends messages to your body to prepare for labor. In response, your body contracts the muscles in your uterus to help get ready for your baby's eventual arrival.
Braxton Hicks contractions help to soften your cervix and exercise all the muscles that you will need to push your baby out. Without the help of Braxton Hicks contractions, labor would actually be much more difficult and painful.
Named after the scientist who first discovered them, Braxton Hicks contractions are typically painless and short, lasting only a minute or two. They can occur throughout your pregnancy, but typically strengthen in the last trimester. They tend to occur irregularly, and are often accompanied with a feeling of uncomfortability.
While Braxton Hicks contractions are harmless, it is difficult for pregnant women to distinguish between them and preterm labor, which can be more serious. If a woman is less than 37 weeks pregnant, she should monitor the Braxton Hicks contractions if there are four or more in a hour. If the Braxton Hicks contractions become rhythmic, painful, or increasingly frequent, accompanied by menstrual-like cramping or abdominal pain, then she should contact her doctor or midwife immediately. These symptoms, along with vaginal bleeding or spotting or watery, mucous discharge that is clear, pink, or blood-tinged are all signs of pre-term labor. Pelvic pressure and lower back pain accompanied by increasing Braxton Hicks contractions are also cause for concern.
After 37 weeks, the baby is considered full term, and Braxton Hicks contractions mean that things are going according to plan. As a woman nears her due date, Braxton Hicks contractions may become more intense, because at this point, they are aiding in getting the cervix "ripened," or softened and effaced. Once your contractions, Braxton Hicks or regular, are 60 seconds in duration and five minutes or less apart, it is a good idea to call your doctor or midwife. You may be in early labor. Whether it is your first or your fifth child, no one knows how long or fast your labor will be, so it is often better to be safe than sorry. Many a mother has delivered on the way to the hospital or in the emergency room because she had chalked up pre-labor contractions to Braxton Hicks contractions and waited because she was afraid to be sent home.
Typically, you should start experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions around your 28th week. This being said, early Braxton Hicks contractions can start during the second month in some women. You may find that you don't even feel these contractions the first few times that they happen. If you were pregnant before, you may find that this time around your Braxton Hicks contractions are actually much stronger.
Braxton Hicks contractions really begin to come on in the third trimester. They also tend to get more intense the closer you draw to your due date.
Braxton Hicks contractions feel differently for each woman. Some find that they are not bothered by these contractions, while others feel very uncomfortable. Typically, Braxton Hicks contractions are described as causing more discomfort than pain. Frequent Braxton Hicks contractions can also be uncomfortable, but not painful. However, strong Braxton Hicks contractions can occur as you approach the end of the third trimester.
When you feel a Braxton Hicks contraction coming on, place your hand on your lower abdomen. Your stomach should feel rigid and hard because of the muscles that are tightening in your uterus. This should only last for a few minutes. You may feel some pain or discomfort in the center of your belly, which then radiates downwards.
Braxton Hicks contractions often start as a result of specific triggers. Common triggers include:
physical activity or exertion
sexual intercourse
dehydration
touching your abdomen
your baby moving inside your uterus
You may be worrying that you won't know the difference between a Braxton Hicks contraction and the real thing; well, you are not alone. Many women worry about recognizing the real signs of labor. Keep these things in mind when you are unsure:
Unlike real labor pains, Braxton Hicks won't increase in intensity.
Labor pains will increase in frequency, occurring closer together. Braxton Hicks contractions will eventually go away on their own.
Braxton Hicks contractions tend to be irregular, with no precise pattern to them. Real labor pains will have a definite pattern.
Braxton Hicks contractions are not as painful as real labor pains.
If you have signs of true labor, contact your health care provider immediately. But if you're unsure, call your health care provider anyway. If you are experiencing any of the following you may be in true labor.
Contractions (tightening of the muscles in the uterus which cause discomfort or a dull ache in the lower abdomen) every 10 minutes or more than five contractions in an hour.
Regular tightening or pain in your back or lower abdomen.
Pressure in the pelvis or vagina.
Menstrual-like cramps.
Bleeding.
Fluid leak.
Flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
In contrast, if you are having Braxton Hicks contractions, you really don't need to do anything unless they are causing you discomfort.
Most mothers agree that Braxton Hicks contractions can be one of the more uncomfortable aspects of pregnancy. Your doctor will offer many suggestions to make yourself more comfortable while experiencing them. Changing position should help to stop them, and lying on one side is better than lying on your back. If your Braxton Hicks are bothering you, try some of these suggestions:
Take a walk. False labor contractions often stop when you change position or get up and walk.
Drink water, juice, or herbal tea. Dehydration can make your muscles spasm, bringing on a contraction. Avoid caffeine.
Practice your labor breathing techniques. Rhythmic breathing will help to alleviate your discomfort.
Get some sleep or rest.
Relax.
Eat a snack or small meal.
Get a massage.
Lie down on your left side when you have a contraction. This should help to ease the pain and keep you rested.
Change the position you are in or switch activities for a while when you have a contraction. A slight change in movement sometimes make the contractions disappear.
Some women find a warm bath (less than 30 minutes) to be helpful.
Urinate when you need to. A full bladder can sometimes trigger Braxton Hicks.
If you are walking when you experience Braxton Hicks contractions, try sitting down, and if you are resting, try getting up and walking. The distraction of physical activity sometimes masks Braxton Hicks contractions.
Of course, there are old wives' remedies that claim to alleviate or stop Braxton Hicks contractions. Since these are not medical remedies, a pregnant woman should always consult her doctor before using an herbal remedy. In the "old days," pregnant women turned to a glass of wine, which inhibits uterine contractions, to help, but now alcohol in any amount is usually not recommended during pregnancy.
An herbal tea consisting of skull cap or passion flower, fresh ginger, and wild yam is said to relax the uterus and the entire pelvic area. Other herbs used in teas or diluted tinctures that are believed to be remedies for Braxton Hicks contractions include black haw, black cohosh, and cramp bark. While all these remedies may help alleviate the discomfort of pregnancy, it is helpful to remember that Braxton Hicks contractions are doing the important job of priming the uterus for labor.