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Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are intermittent contractions of the uterus occurring through out pregnancy. It becomes more obvious as pregnancy progresses, especially after the third month of gestation. Some women may experience pain due to this 'normal uterine contractions'even before this time. It is another common cause of abdominal pain in pregnancy.

This well recognized phenomenon was first described by Dr. Braxton John Hicks of Guy’s Hospital London in 1872.

Braxton Hicks contraction has been called false labor contraction or practice labor contraction. It helps the uterus prepare or practice for the real thing during labor.

These contractions are usually not massively painful though painful Braxton Hicks contractions have been reported in some expectant mothers, leading to tears and great discomfort.

Dehydration, tiredness or straining one’s self could trigger these contractions.

It is also very important to differentiate a Braxton Hicks contraction from false labor.

Signs and Symptoms of Braxton Hicks Contraction

The following are signs and symptoms of Braxton Hicks:

Braxton Hicks contractions are felt as a tightening cramps on the abdomen. The abdominal wall could become like rock solid for a few seconds and then relaxes. When felt with the hand, the hardness could be localized to a part of the uterus. After a few seconds to minutes, the contraction is followed by relaxation
These contractions could occur as early as the 16th week of pregnancy, but more often after the 20th week
They present as irregular contractions. This means that there may be no pattern to the manner of contractions. You could have one contraction in every five minutes or every hour. Each contraction could last for a few seconds to minutes. They can keep reoccurring continuously for weeks or months
The contractions may be significant enough to take your breath away. It could also be felt as a dull ache or even painful. Some expectant mothers have been woken up from their sleep by these contractions
Braxton Hicks contraction are often felt earlier by expectant mothers who have had previous babies and the pain may be more intense in these mothers
The pain does worsen in intensity as the pregnancy progresses

Difference between Braxton Hicks Contraction and True Labour

As said above, it is important to differentiate Braxton Hicks contraction from true labor. Failure to do this may lead to premature birth of your baby in an unprepared and frightening environment with its attendant risks.

True labor is differentiated from Braxton Hicks contraction or false labor by the fact the following:

Genuine labor contraction starts steadily and gets stronger over time

The pain starts from the back and spread over to the abdomen

It is not stopped by change in activity

True labour contractions are painful, and this even become more painful with time, over hours or days

In early labor, the contractions could be as frequent as every 15 minutes, and each contractions lasting for 30 – 60 seconds

There may be a "show": thick slim mixed with blood from the cervix

As a guide, if you have moderate abdominal pain or contractions of up to 4 episodes in an hour continuously not relieved by changing your activity, it is always safest to call your midwife or doctor, just in case you have gone into labor.

Tips To Overcome Troublesome Contractions

So you think it’s Braxton Hicks contractions you are experiencing?

Then help yourself to relieving it now. Do the following:

Get a glass of drink, or make your self a warm drink / tea

If you where resting when the contractions started, get up and take a brisk walk. On the other hand, if you were working or active when the contraction started, your body may just be telling you that you need to rest now. Yes. Go. Take a rest

If this does not work, try take a bath or shower

Some tablets of paracetamol may help.

For those with persistently painful abdominal pain from Braxton Hicks contraction, please see your doctor as soon as possible.