Braxton Hicks contractions owe their name to their discoverer John Braxton Hicks who first identified them back in 1872. These contractions usually happen post the
second trimester of pregnancy and bring on false labour pains. Braxton Hicks contractions rarely happen in the earlier stages of
pregnancy and they involve only mild cramps and sporadic discomfort. The onset of these contractions provoke many women to think that they are nearing labour and many women panic thinking that they are about to lose their baby.
Symptoms of Braxton Hick’s Contractions
Many women describe these contractions as a tight feeling in the abdomen which comes and recedes in an infrequent fashion. The Braxton Hick’s Contractions are sometimes described to be similar to menstrual cramps. The defining and differentiating point of these contractions are that they do not cause
labour or make the cervix expand.
Points of difference between the Braxton Hick’s Contractions and real labour contractions are as follows.
- Braxton Hicks contractions are not very painful.
- The occurrence of these contractions is not regular or rhythmic.
- The contractions do not increase in frequency over a short period of time like labour pains.
- The contractions do not increase in length over a short period of time like labour pains.
- The contractions do not increase in intensity over a short period of time like labour pains.
- Braxton Hick’s Contractions do not start at the back of the body like true labour pain. It only affects the pelvis and the abdominal front.
- These contractions are not accompanied by bleeding or any kind of vaginal discharge.
If you are pregnant and have recently experienced some kind of uterine contractions then you can probably identify with the situations underlined above. These contractions are not labour pains and in 90% of cases they do not produce abortive situations. However, if you experience such contractions on a regular basis or every month then it’s advisable for you to consult a doctor.
How to Combat Braxton Hick’s Contractions
The onset of Braxton Hick’s Contractions can bring about a lot of
anxiety in pregnant women which ultimately causes harmful side effects. The following methods have been found to be effective in dealing with Braxton Hick’s Contractions.
- Lack of consumption of adequate water or dehydration can bring about muscles to a spastic state and force them to contract. Dehydration is identified to be one of the primary factors that lead to Braxton Hicks contractions so drinking at least 2-3 glasses of water can help suppress those contractions.
- Taking deep even rhythmic breaths can help reduce the discomfort and pain felt during these contractions. Confirm with your doctor before starting deep or rhythmic breathing exercise to know if it will suit you or not.
- Lying down on a medium thickness mattress on the left side can slowly help to reduce the pain of Braxton Hick’s Contractions.
- These contractions can sometimes occur when the bladder is full so urinating can nullify the effect of these contractions. But if your bladder is not full do not put pressure unnecessarily in order to urinate.
- Walking can cause these contractions to go away. A change in the sitting position can also affect these contractions.
- Relax your senses by taking a warm bath and listen to some soulful music. As the mind loses its stress and tension the contractions will slowly go away.
- Get a relaxing massage that eases out the tension from your muscles. It is better to contact a professional masseuse who knows how to massage pregnant women.
Now that you know the causes, symptoms and the methods of dealing with Braxton Hick’s Contractions you will no longer feel anxious or stressed if you happen to experience them. Simply follow the methods detailed above and you can soothe your mind and body. In case of persistent discomfort do not hesitate in calling your doctor.
