Definition

Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as false contractions, are uterine muscle contractions that pregnant women experience before actual labor contractions begin. Braxton Hicks contractions are your body's way of preparing for the actual pain of labor. However, if Braxton-Hicks contractions occur, it does not necessarily indicate that labor will begin soon.

Braxton Hicks contractions result from the contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscles. It usually begins at 6 weeks of pregnancy but is not noticeable until the second or third trimester. Braxton Hicks contractions are an expected part of a normal pregnancy. The contractions may be uncomfortable, but they are not painful. Most women characterize Braxton-Hicks contractions as mild menstrual pain or as intermittent hardness in specific areas of the abdomen.

Braxton Hicks contractions differ from labor contractions in that they are more uncomfortable than painful, occur irregularly in terms of intensity and duration, are unpredictable, and lack rhythm. Additionally, the length, frequency, and intensity of Braxton Hicks contractions do not increase over time. At specific times, they will diminish, disappear, and then reappear. As pregnancy draws to a close, Braxton Hicks contractions will become more frequent and more intense. Braxton Hicks contractions are frequently mistaken for real contractions by women. Braxton Hicks contractions, however, do not result in cervical dilatation or labor, in contrast to actual labor contractions.

Causes

Braxton-Hicks contractions occur when the uterine muscle fibers tighten and relax. The exact reason why uterine muscle fibers tighten and relax during pregnancy is still unknown. Braxton Hicks contractions occur as the body prepares the uterine muscles for birth.

Risk Factor

However, there are several situations that can cause Braxton Hicks contractions, such as:

• when pregnant women are very active
• when the bladder is full
• after sexual intercourse
• lifting heavy loads
• when a woman is dehydrated or doesn't drink enough water

The fetus may experience stress due to these triggers, which may increase the need for blood flow to the placenta in order to supply oxygen to the fetus.

Symptoms

It is possible to differentiate Braxton-Hicks contractions from actual labor contractions by looking for the following symptoms:

• Contractions from Braxton Hicks are erratic and take a long time to occur.
• It is impossible to determine how long each contraction will last. The duration of actual contractions is between one and two minutes.
• When you walk or change positions, Braxton Hicks contractions subside, but the original contractions might worsen or become more painful.
• Genuine contractions will become more intense and stronger, making it difficult to walk or talk, whereas Braxton Hicks contractions will range from weak to strong.
• Braxton Hicks contractions are characterized by pain in the front of the abdomen, whereas genuine contractions cause pain in the lower abdomen and lower body.
• Braxton Hicks contractions result in no other signs of labor. Meanwhile, during genuine contractions, other signs of labor will typically appear, such as blood or spotting.

Diagnosis

In diagnosing Braxton Hicks contractions, a doctor or medical professional needs to ask several questions to determine whether the contractions you are experiencing are genuine labor contractions or simply Braxton Hicks contractions. Here's what you should know.

• The intervals between Braxton Hicks contractions are not regular.
• Unpredictable Braxton Hicks contractions can last anywhere from 30 seconds to over two minutes. The duration of real contractions ranges from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
• Braxton Hicks contractions are less intense than real contractions and will diminish and eventually cease over time. As time passes, the initial contractions will become more intense.
• The front of the stomach or a single location is where Braxton Hicks contractions most frequently occur. The original contraction, meanwhile, will begin in the rear and extend to the front and lower abdomen.
• A change in position or activity will cause Braxton Hicks contractions to stop. The contractions are probably not real if a pregnant woman is able to fall asleep during them.

During a physical exam, the doctor or healthcare provider may palpate or press the tight part of the uterine muscle. The pregnant woman will then be assessed for bleeding, blood mucus, and membrane rupture. An examination of the cervix can also determine whether the contractions are genuine labor contractions or Braxton Hicks.

There are no laboratory or radiological tests to diagnose Braxton-Hicks contractions. The evaluation is based on the pregnant woman's symptoms and physical examination of the abdomen.

Read about Premature Rupture of Membranes here: Premature Rupture of Membranes - Definition, Cause, Symptoms, And Treatment

Management

Doctors and patients should talk about the pregnant woman's experiences during her pregnancy. In addition, doctors need to remind patients that Braxton-Hicks contractions are common during pregnancy and help them feel less anxious when they happen.

There is no medical treatment for Braxton-Hicks contractions, but pregnant women can do the following to ease their discomfort during Braxton-Hicks contractions:

• Drink water; contractions may occur due to dehydration
• Walk and change positions
• Take a break if you've done a lot of physical activity recently
• Relax by taking a warm bath and listening to music
• Massage the massage-able parts of the body, such as the legs, shoulders, and upper back
• Practice breathing exercises
• Urinate and empty your bladder
• Eat nutritious snacks

Complications

Braxton Hicks contractions rarely result in serious complications, but they can cause discomfort for the mother.

Prevention

There is no specific method for preventing Braxton Hicks contractions because they are a normal part of pregnancy. However, it is recommended that pregnant women meet their fluid needs, perform as much physical activity as possible and as needed, fulfill their nutritional needs, and schedule routine prenatal checks to monitor the pregnancy.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience the following symptoms, see a doctor or midwife immediately:

• Blood and mucus come out of the vagina
• Amniotic fluid rupture
• Every five minutes, there are quick, powerful contractions that last one minute each.
• Contractions that inhibit you from walking or taking on any other activity
• Significant changes in fetal movements, or if you feel less than six to ten movements within an hour

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