Understanding the Mysteries of Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions come with many misconceptions. Some women mistakenly go to the hospital because they think they're in labor.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions? Consider these contractions your body's way of preparing for the real thing. One theory is they tone your uterine muscles in preparation for delivery.
Here are some facts about Braxton Hicks contractions:
- Braxton Hicks contractions are, in fact, real contractions. The only difference is that they're less intense and more irregular. You can tell they aren't real labor pains because they subside rather than getting more intense and frequent as in active labor.
- Braxton Hicks contractions can occur as early as six weeks into your pregnancy. Most women don't even notice when they’re occurring. This is because your uterus is small enough for you not to observe them. As your uterus grows, the contractions become more apparent. You aren’t likely to notice them until after at least twenty weeks’ gestation. As your pregnancy progresses, the contractions can get stronger.
- Braxton Hicks contractions have certain triggers. For instance, not drinking enough water can cause you to become dehydrated, which is more likely to trigger contractions. A full bladder can also cause contractions because it adds pressure to your uterus.
You can help alleviate these false contractions by drinking water. Staying hydrated is important to maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Take frequent breaks during the day and lay down on your side if the contractions are uncomfortable. Changing positions may also help to alleviate some of the discomfort. Some women found that getting up and moving stopped the contractions.
- Many women who’ve experienced such contractions find that the false labor didn't start until the end of the day, typically due to muscles being tired and less hydrated. Sex can be another trigger because of the release of oxytocin following an organism. This hormone contributes to the start of labor. Additionally, sperm also contribute to contractions.
- Not all women experience Braxton Hicks contractions. Many women report that the contractions felt different after their first baby. This is likely because their bodies have already undergone delivery and their muscles have been stretched due to their laboring. Experienced mothers were just as likely to go to the hospital due to these contractions as first-time mothers.
- These contractions can start out as being completely painless, while others describe Braxton Hicks as a tightening of the abdominal muscles. This sensation can extend downward and make your uterus feel hard. As your uterus grows, they will gain in strength. Many women experienced menstrual like cramps during Braxton Hicks contractions. The typical length of the contractions is thirty seconds to a few minutes.
- If you go to the hospital for Braxton Hicks contractions, you will be assessed as though you're in labor, including hooking you up to monitors and getting an evaluation. The doctors and nurses will observe if your labor is progressing by determining if your cervix is dilating, or if your contractions are gaining in intensity.
Depending on the outcome of your evaluation, your doctor will either admit you to the hospital or send you home. Don't be embarrassed if it's found to be false labor—this is a very common occurrence.
- Many things can be confused with Braxton Hicks contractions. These include things like gas pain, the baby having hiccups, and pressure on your cervix from the baby descending into position in preparation for delivery.
- Some symptoms that require medical attention include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- A large amount of vaginal discharge
- Low back pain, abdominal cramping
- Pressure between your legs
- More than four sets of contractions in an hour time period
These could be signs of a more severe problem, like the onset of early labor or signs of an impending miscarriage. If you experience any issue, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.
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