Understanding and Identifying Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks Contractions. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed September 2, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22965-braxton-hicks

Braxton Hicks Contractions (False Labor)

Braxton Hicks contractions are contractions of the uterus that occur during the third trimester of pregnancy. They are perfectly normal and have been said to represent contractions that occur as the uterus is preparing to give birth.

When do Braxton Hicks start? In some women, they occur as early as the second trimester , though they are more commonly felt during the third trimester. During these contractions, the uterine muscles tighten for about 30 to 60 seconds and occasionally up to two minutes. Often referred to as “practice contractions,” Braxton Hicks help the body prepare for the actual labor process. Sometimes, Braxton Hicks contractions have been referred to as “false labor.”

The primary differences between Braxton Hicks vs. real contractions lie in their pattern and strength. Real labor contractions are more intense, occur at regular intervals, and gradually become stronger and more frequent over time. In contrast to the contractions of true labor, Braxton Hicks contractions do not occur at regular intervals, do not get stronger over time, and do not last longer over time. They do not occur at predictable intervals, and they may disappear altogether for a time. They tend to become more frequent toward the end of pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks contractions are named after an English doctor, John Braxton Hicks, who first described them in 1872.

Understanding the differences between Braxton Hicks vs. real contractions can help pregnant women manage their expectations and determine whether to go to the hospital or relax at home.

What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions will prepare your body for real labor. Common events can sometimes trigger Braxton Hicks contractions, for example:

1. Increased activity of mother or baby: This can cause Braxton Hicks contractions. Physical activity, such as exercise, walking, or daily tasks, can increase pressure on the uterus, potentially triggering these contractions. Likewise, increased fetal movement can stimulate the uterus and cause Braxton Hicks contractions.
2. Touching of the maternal abdomen: Touching the maternal abdomen or increased fetal movements can cause contractions.
3. Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can cause Braxton Hicks contractions. During pregnancy, your body requires plenty of fluids, and becoming dehydrated can cause your uterus to contract.
4. Sexual intercourse: Following sexual intercourse, a hormone called oxytocin is released, which can induce Braxton Hicks contractions in your uterus.
5. Distended maternal bladder: A full bladder may exert pressure on your uterus, potentially triggering Braxton Hicks contractions. This is one of the reasons why they may occur more frequently if you have a full bladder.
6. Stress or fatigue: If you feel extremely stressed or tired, your body may respond by causing Braxton Hicks contractions. Rest may help reduce these contractions.

You are recommended to contact your health care provider immediately if these contractions persist or cause severe discomfort.

What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?

Braxton Hicks contractions are not typically as painful as those of true labor contractions, but they can be uncomfortable. Some women describe them as a tightening sensation across the lower abdomen. They may feel similar to menstrual cramps in some women. The abdomen may become firm to the touch. They do not occur at regular intervals, do not follow a specific pattern, and generally do not last long. They may become more frequent if you are dehydrated, very active, or have a full bladder. These symptoms usually disappear if you change positions, rest, or drink water, which is a significant difference from real labor contractions, which persist regardless of these measures.

Braxton Hicks contractions are your body’s way of preparing for real labor, so while they can be unpredictable or uncomfortable, there is usually no need for concern.

QUESTION

Which home remedies help relieve Braxton Hicks contraction discomfort and pain?

If Braxton Hicks contractions are uncomfortable, you can take these measures:

1. Change positions, take a walk, or rest if you have been active: Simply changing positions can help reduce the discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions. If you have been sitting or lying down, get up and move about a little. A quick walk can also help. However, if you have been extremely active, taking a break and resting may help the contractions subside.
2. Drink a glass of water or a cup of herbal tea: Dehydration is a common cause of Braxton Hicks contractions. So, having a glass of water can be helpful. Staying hydrated is essential for reducing the frequency and strength of these contractions. A cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, can be soothing.
3. Perform relaxation exercises, deep breathing, or mental relaxation: Engaging in relaxation exercises, deep breathing, or meditation can help calm your body and mind. These are very effective in relieving the discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions.
4. Eat something: Hunger or low blood sugar can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions. A small snack can help regulate your blood sugar and provide your body with the energy it requires, which decreases the severity of contractions.
5. Bathe in a warm bath for up to 30 minutes: A warm bath can soothe your muscles and relax your uterus. Spending up to 30 minutes in a warm (but not hot) bath might alleviate the discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions and promote overall relaxation.

These methods usually help relieve the discomfort caused by Braxton Hicks contractions. However, if the contractions grow more painful, frequent, or are accompanied by other symptoms, you should contact your health care provider.

How long do Braxton Hicks contractions last?

Braxton Hicks contractions can last anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes. They can vary in length and intensity, but they do not typically last long or feel as strong as real labor contractions. These “practice” contractions are irregular and can subside if you change positions, rest, or drink water. Unlike real labor contractions, which progressively increase in duration, strength, and frequency, Braxton Hicks tends to remain constant or even fade away over time. They are your body’s way of preparing for real labor, but they should not cause excessive pain or discomfort.

When should I call my doctor about Braxton Hicks contractions?

Call your doctor or midwife if you haven’t reached 37 weeks and the contractions are increasing in frequency, are more painful, or you have any of the signs of preterm labor.

The following signs indicate when to be concerned about Braxton Hicks contractions:

• Increasing vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, or spotting: If you notice a significant increase in vaginal discharge, especially if it is watery, mucous-like, or bloody, it may indicate that your body is preparing for preterm labor. Spotting or bleeding is not typical with Braxton Hicks contractions, so any amount of bleeding should be reported to your health care provider immediately.
• Increasing low back pain or pelvic pressure: Persistent or increasing lower back pain or pelvic pressure can be signs of labor. When this discomfort is accompanied by contractions, it may indicate preterm labor rather than just Braxton Hicks contractions.
• More than four contractions an hour: Braxton Hicks contractions are typically irregular and less frequent. If you experience more than four contractions in an hour, it could suggest that your body is preparing for labor. This is especially concerning if the contractions do not subside with rest, hydration, or changes in position.
• Menstrual-like cramping or abdominal pain: If you experience cramping similar to period cramps or persistent stomach pain, it could be a sign of early labor. Braxton Hicks contractions typically do not cause cramping or pain like actual labor contractions.
• Decreased fetal movements: If you notice a significant decrease in fetal movements, contact your health care provider immediately. Fetal movements are a key indicator of fetal well-being, so it’s important to monitor them. A reduction in fetal movements may signal preterm labor.

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Frequently asked questions

• Do Braxton-Hicks mean labor is soon? Braxton Hicks contractions do not necessarily mean that the labor will begin soon. These may increase in frequency as you get closer to your due date.
• Is Braxton Hicks normal at 27 weeks? Yes, it is normal to experience Braxton Hicks contractions at 27 weeks of pregnancy, and this will help your body prepare for real labor contractions.
• What are the triggers for Braxton-Hicks? Braxton Hicks contractions can be triggered by factors such as dehydration, excessive physical or sexual activity, a full bladder, or changes in your body positions.
• What can be mistaken for Braxton Hicks? Braxton Hicks contractions may be mistaken for real labor contractions, excessive gas, or pregnancy-related discomfort, such as round ligament pain. Unlike actual labor contractions, Braxton Hicks occur at irregular intervals and are typically less painful.
• Do Braxton Hicks feel different from contractions? Yes, Braxton Hicks contractions differ from labor contractions. They usually involve a sensation of pressure and tightness in the abdomen and are generally mild, infrequent, and less intense compared to labor contractions.

Medically Reviewed on 9/26/2024
References

Milton, Sarah Hagood. “Normal Labor and Delivery.” Medscape. Jan. 24, 2019. .

Braxton Hicks Contractions. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed September 2, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22965-braxton-hicks

Braxton Hicks Contractions – Causes, Symptoms and Pain Relief. American Pregnancy Association. Accessed September 2, 2024. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/braxton-hicks/

Raines DA, Cooper DB. Braxton Hicks Contractions. National Library of Medicine. Accessed September 1, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470546/

Bouganim J. Braxton Hicks or Labor Contractions? A Quick Guide to Spot the Difference. Hackensack Meridian Health. Accessed September 1, 2024. https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2023/01/11/braxton-hicks-or-labor-contractions-a-quick-guide-to-spot-the-difference

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Understanding and Identifying Braxton Hicks Contractions

The doctors and midwives at All About Women of Gainesville and Lake City, FL discuss how you can distinguish between Braxton Hicks vs. real labor contractions

Whether you’re 22 or 35 weeks along, pregnant with your first baby or your third, Braxton Hicks contractions can take you by surprise and even trick you into thinking you’re entering labor. Also called “warm- up” or “toning” contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions are your body’s way of preparing the uterus for labor. And they can send even the most seasoned mother to the hospital – only for her to find out that her Braxton Hicks are causing “false labor.”

Many women report having more of these contractions later in the day when they are tired or haven’t had enough to drink. If you’re having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions, don’t stop your normal activities, but do make sure you stay well hydrated and take some time to get off your feet during the day.

Understanding Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy – when they occur, what they’re like, and how to relieve them, as well as how your true labor contractions will differ – can help you interpret what is occurring in your body, and when it’s really time to go to the hospital or call your OB doctor.

When Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Start During Pregnancy?

As with most all pregnancy matters, Braxton Hicks contractions are different for every woman. All pregnant women experience these contractions but not all expecting mothers are aware they occur. Some women don’t feel any kind of contraction until delivery day, and that is completely normal. You don’t need to worry if you haven’t felt any warm-up contractions.

Many women, however, do feel their Braxton Hicks contractions, usually any time after the 20- week marker of pregnancy. While some women feel them this early, others may not experience any until the later weeks of pregnancy. In second and third pregnancies, some mothers say they’re Braxton Hicks contractions start earlier.

What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?

Braxton Hicks contractions often begin very mildly, feeling like a tightening sensation across the uterus. They may become stronger in the later weeks of pregnancy. Their strength and recurrence is how expecting mothers confuse them with true labor contractions.

The job of a true labor contraction is to dilate the cervix. Braxton Hicks contractions, you may remember, work only to tone the uterus and do not cause the cervix to dilate. Of course, you can’t tell if your cervix is dilated unless you go in and have your obstetrician or midwife check you, but Braxton Hicks contractions have other distinct characteristics like:

• Their intensity doesn’t change. Braxton Hicks contractions usually remain fairly weak, while true labor contractions grow increasingly intense.
• They go away with a change in activity. If you’re sitting down and having Braxton-Hicks contractions, they will usually go away if you get up and walk around. If you’ve been moving around, the opposite is true – try resting for a while and the contractions should go away. True contractions, on the other hand, do not go away with changes in activity.

• They feel like a tightening across the front of the uterus. True labor contractions, on the other hand, wrap from the top of the abdomen down, and wrap across the front of the abdomen and around the back.
• They are irregular. The length and frequency of Braxton Hicks contraction varies. True labor contractions occur at regular intervals and last at least thirty seconds. Real contractions will also grow longer and closer together.

What Causes Braxton Hicks Contractions?

While they may occur without reason, there are some known life factors that cause women to have Braxton Hicks contractions:

• Strenuous exercise or activity
• Dehydration

• Sex, particularly orgasm
• Someone touching the mother’s belly

Many women report having more of these contractions later in the day when they are tired or haven’t had enough to drink. If you’re having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions, don’t stop your normal activities, but do make sure that you stay well hydrated and take some time to get off your feet during the day. A warm bath or a cup of tea can also help to relieve your contractions.

Accompanying Signs of Early Labor

If you are getting close to your due date and are experiencing contractions, you should be aware of the signs of early labor that accompany true labor contractions:

• Lower back ache, or pain in your abdomen or pelvis
• Loose stools
• Brown-tinged mucous

• Watery discharge
• Increased urination

If you experience any of these signs along with regularly occurring contractions, you are probably in labor. You may not need to go to the hospital right away, but you should contact your OB doctor or midwife to let them know what symptoms you are experiencing and how far apart your contractions are.

Braxton Hicks contractions present themselves so differently in successive pregnancies that even the most seasoned mothers can be confused , not to mention first-time mothers. The best way to have peace of mind about these contractions, besides educating yourself, is to stay in close contact with your OB doctor and midwife.

Florida’s obstetricians and midwives at All About Women want you to feel confident with every step of your pregnancy. If you’re concerned about contractions, or think you a re pregnant and need to ensure you and your baby are healthy, contact our Gainesville or Lake City office to schedule an appointment today.

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