Overview

Braxton Hicks Contractions, otherwise known as ‘practice’ or ‘false’ contractions, are the most common aspect of pregnancy. These are the false labour contractions that a woman experiences during the end stages of pregnancy. The Braxton Hicks Contractions usually begin in the second or the third trimester and can feel like mild menstrual cramps. It is a mysterious yet very crucial part of pregnancy in women and was named after an English doctor who first identified it.

The Braxton Hicks Contractions are known as practice contractions due to their nature to prepare the pregnant women for the forthcoming childbirth. These contractions are often irregular and last up to half a minute! Yes, they may cause discomfort, but in many cases, they are painless. Let us uncover more insights related to Braxton Hicks Contractions and their nature.

Braxton Hicks Contractions are the false or practice pains that are experienced by pregnant women, usually in their third trimester. They are very mild and painless but can cause discomfort to some extent. Being very normal during the gestation phase, Braxton Hicks Contractions do not mean labour pain and go away in seconds.

They occur to prepare the pregnant woman for the forthcoming labour. Braxton Hicks Contractions are generally caused due to the hormonal shifts, nerve signals and responsiveness of the uterine muscles. Unlike true labour contractions, Braxton Hicks can be alleviated just by changing your positions.

They are usually caused due to:

Being dehydrated or unable to fulfil required/suggested water intake most of the time
During peeing
Lifting heavy and putting pressure on the abdomen
Being active or indulging in other physical workouts/movements
While having intercourse during the second or third trimester

Braxton Hicks Contractions: What They Feel Like?

Though Braxton Hicks Contractions can truly mimic labour pain, there lie major differences that can help a pregnant woman easily identify the nature of the sensations she is going through. The notable differences are as follows:

Braxton Hicks Contractions do not dilate the cervix, while real labour pain does.
Braxton Hicks Contractions are irregular, while labour pain becomes regular during the end stages of your pregnancy.
Braxton Hicks Contractions do not last more than 30 seconds, but labour pain can last up to 1 minute or more.
Braxton Hicks Contractions can go away as soon as the woman changes her position, whereas labour pain gets stronger if you walk or move.
Braxton Hicks Contractions are discomforting and painless, while labour pain is absolutely discomfort and painful, requiring immediate medical attention.
Braxton Hicks Contractions come & go irregularly for almost an hour during your pregnancy, whereas labour pains are regular and can last longer.
Braxton Hicks Contractions are felt in the front abdomen, whereas the labour pain is mainly felt in the lower back, abdomen and in the sides of the thighs, acting as a precursor to labour.

It is pertinent to note that there may be instances where a pregnant woman might confuse the labour pain with Braxton Hicks Contractions. To avoid this, it is recommended to be in regular contact with a healthcare professional.

However, if the person is less than 37 weeks pregnant and is experiencing persistent pain in the pelvis, abdomen or lower back, then it could be a sign of premature labour and require immediate medical intervention.

Women experiencing Braxton Hicks Contractions may feel like their belly muscles are tightening aggressively. They typically feel pain like that of menstrual cramps that lasts up to 30 seconds or even more (in some cases). They usually occur in the front of the abdomen, making it a little uncomfortable, but they can be eliminated if the woman changes her position.

What Are The Ways To Ease The Discomfort Caused By Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Braxton Hicks Contractions are usually painless but uncomfortable. In case you are unable to handle the discomfort caused by them, you can try practising the following steps:

Just lie down and rest
Change your position to help sidestep the discomfort
Try having a massage, especially near the abdomen area to relax the body
Drink more water and stay hydrated
Try doing gentle exercises such as short walks to alleviate the discomfort
Take a warm bath and relax
Try practising pelvic tilts; move your pelvis forward and backwards gently to release the discomfort
You can use a warm compress or a heating pad to relax your pelvic muscles
Try urinating and empty your bladder to relax uterine muscles
Try breathing exercises and meditation while experiencing Braxton Hicks Contractions as it may help you calm down and provide relief in the discomfort

When To Consult A Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert gynaecology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

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Conclusion

Braxton Hicks Contractions serves as a gentle warm-up for a preparatory phase for the forthcoming childbirth. These contractions play a valuable role in conditioning the pelvic nerves to contract and relax, providing a crucial stretch in the pelvic muscles required during actual childbirth. One must be well-informed about the insights of the Braxton Hicks Contractions for timely realisation and appropriate medical attention when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braxton Hicks Contractions

Q1. Are Braxton Hicks's Contractions Painful?
A1. YES. Braxton Hicks Contractions are painful and can cause a mild discomfort.

Q2. How long do Braxton Hicks Contractions last?
A2. Braxton Hicks Contractions can last up to 30-60 seconds and can go away by changing positions, urinating, or using a warm compress over an abdominal region.

Q3. How can I tell if it's just Braxton Hicks Contractions or real labour pain?
A3. Braxton Hicks Contractions can mimic real labour pain and can last up to 30 seconds or even more. If these contractions become more regular and intense, along with the breaking of the water, it may be a sign of a real labour.

Q4. When does Braxton Hicks Contractions start?
A4. Braxton Hicks Contractions begin in the second or the third trimester of the gestational phase. They can feel like menstrual cramps and cause mild discomfort.

Q5. Is it normal to have Braxton Hicks Contractions?
A5. QYes, Braxton Hicks Contractions are completely normal. You can contact your healthcare provider of the intensity and frequency of the Braxton Hicks Contractions increases during your third trimester.