Name: Meghnah

Hello mommies
now that we r in the start of 3rd trimester or just ending of second trimester,thought of posting abt Braxton Hicks contractions
I just read it-here it goes-

Braxton hicks contractions r described -as an intermittent, painless contraction that may occur every 10 to 20 minutes after the first trimester of pregnancy . Sometimes these contractions are also called prelabor contractions or Hicks sign. Not everyone will notice or experience these contractions, and some will have them frequently. Some mothers say that they notice them more in subsequent pregnancies than in their first pregnancy.

Usually women will notice them by casually brushing their hands against their protruding belly and notice that it has tightened, while other moms will notice the tight feeling without having to feel it with their hands.

Don' t panic if you don' t notice them. Some women only notice them because they find them to be uncomfortable. While Taber' s medical dictionary may say that they are painless, pregnant women tell a different story, though most would call it uncomfortable rather than painful. If you experience discomfort or pain with these practice contractions, try out techniques you' ve learned in class to deal with labor, such as breathing, relaxation, massage, movement and more. Often women will find that simply changing position can help with any pain from these contractions. A nice warm bath or shower can also help relieve any achiness and promote relaxation.


So how would you tell the difference between a Braxton Hicks contraction and a true labor contraction? Generally true labor contractions will get longer in length, closer in frequency and stronger in intensity. A Braxton Hicks contraction might get closer together but not consistently, or they may feel stronger but go away when you move around. Some moms say that they only experience Braxton Hicks contractions when moving around and they cease when mom sits down.

Calling your doctor or midwife should happen if you have contractions closer than 12 minutes apart prior to 37 weeks, as this might indicate preterm labor and not Braxton Hicks contractions.


While these many seem like an annoyance, yet another thing to deal with in pregnancy, they are believed to be helpful in preparing your body for labor, even though no noticeable progress can be seen.


True Labor vs. Braxton Hicks
Braxton Hicks True Labor
Contractions don' t get closer together. Contractions do get closer together.
Contractions don' t get stronger. Contractions do get stronger.
Contractions tend to be felt only in the front. Contractions tend to be felt all over.
Contractions don' t last longer. Contractions do last longer.
Walking has no effect on the contractions. Walking makes the contractions stronger.
Cervix doesn' t change with contractions. Cervix opens and thins with contractions.


n also read this article--

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions can begin as early as the second trimester, however they are most common in the third trimester. The muscles of your uterus tighten for approximately 30 to 60 seconds or as long as 2 minutes. Braxton Hicks are also called “practice contractions” because they will prepare you for the real thing and you can practice the breathing exercises you are learning in your childbirth classes.

Braxton Hicks are described as:
Irregular in intensityInfrequent Unpredictable Non-rhythmic More uncomfortable than painful
They do not increase in intensity, or frequencyThey taper off and then disappear altogether
If your contractions are easing up in any way, they are most likely Braxton Hicks.

What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?
There are a few speculations for why women have these contractions. Some physicians and midwives think they may play a part in toning the uterine muscle and promoting the flow of blood to the placenta. They are not believed to have any connection with dilating the cervix, but may have some effect on the softening of the cervix. However, as Braxton Hicks contractions become more intense closer to the time of delivery, the contractions are considered false labor, which can help in the dilation and effacement process.

What triggers Braxton Hicks contractions?
The following are triggers of Braxton Hicks:
When you or the baby are very active
If someone touches your belly
When your bladder is full
After sex
Dehydration

What can I do to alleviate Braxton Hicks contractions?
Change positions lie down if you have been standing or go for a walk if you have been sitting or laying .

Take a warm bath for 30 minutes or less

Drink a couple of glasses of water, because contractions may be brought on by dehydration
Drink a warm cup of herbal tea or milk

If doing any of these does not alleviate your contractions, you should contact your health care provider.

I spoke abt this 2 one of my friend,she describes braxton hicks as-Cramps similar to the one which we get during our periods...N she said normally we get it in our 8th month..Sum pregnant moms get it n sum dont..She didnt have when she delevered her first baby,n now too(shesz in her 9th month)shesz not having it...

anyways hope this info helps all..

lotsa luv
megs

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