Braxton Hicks Contractions

A. What they are 

Braxton Hicks contractions or as they are also called “prodromal” or “false labor” are sporadic contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscle. Sometimes, it is believed they start around 6 weeks gestation but are not usually felt until the second or third trimester of the pregnancy. Braxton Hicks is the body's way of preparing for true labor, but they do not indicate that labor has begun or is going to start. 

Braxton Hicks can be differentiated from the contractions of true labor. Braxton Hicks are irregular in duration and intensity, occur infrequently, are unpredictable and non-rhythmic, and are usually more uncomfortable than painful. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks does not increase in frequency, duration, or intensity.  They will also lessen and then disappear, only to reappear at some time in the future. Braxton Hicks tends to increase in frequency and intensity near the end of the pregnancy. Women often mistake Braxton Hicks for true labor. However, unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions do not cause dilatation of the cervix and do not culminate in birth. 

Braxton Hicks contractions are caused when the muscle fibers in the uterus tighten and relax. The exact etiology of Braxton Hicks is unknown. However, there are known circumstances that trigger Braxton Hicks including when the woman is very active, when the bladder is full, following sexual activity, and when the woman is dehydrated. A commonality among all these triggers is the potential for stress to the fetus, and the need for increased blood flow to the placenta to provide fetal oxygenation. 

Braxton Hicks is present in all pregnancies. However, each woman's experience is different. Most women become aware of Braxton Hicks in the third trimester, and some women are aware of them as early as the second trimester. Sometimes Braxton Hicks occurring near the end of the third trimester of pregnancy are mistaken as the onset of true labor. It’s not unusual, especially in a first pregnancy, for a woman to think she is in labor, only to be told it is Braxton Hicks, and not true labor. 

Braxton Hicks is thought to play a role in toning the uterine muscle in preparation for the birth process. Sometimes Braxton Hicks is referred to as "practice for labor." Braxton Hicks does not result in dilation of the cervix but MIGHT have a role in cervical softening. 

The intermittent contraction of the uterine muscle may also play a role in promoting blood flow to the placenta. Oxygen-rich blood fills the intervillous spaces of the uterus where the pressure is relatively low. The presence of Braxton Hicks causes the blood to flow up to the chorionic plate on the fetal side of the placenta. From there the oxygen-rich blood enters the fetal circulation. 

Sharp, shooting pains on either side of your abdomen that travel into your groin might result from stretching ligaments that support your growing uterus. This is called round ligament pain. It's triggered by movements like coughing, sneezing or getting out of bed too quickly. 

B. What do they feel like 

Braxton Hicks is a normal part of pregnancy. They may be uncomfortable, but they are not usually painful. Women describe Braxton Hicks as feeling like mild-moderate menstrual cramps, or a tightening in a specific area of the abdomen that comes and goes. 

These contractions don't get closer together, don't increase in how long they last or how often they occur and don't feel stronger over time. They often come with a change of position and stop with rest. You can typically talk, walk and go about your normal activities during Braxton Hicks. They are felt in the front of your abdomen, but not in your back or lower part of your uterus.  There are some differences between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions. Your medical practitioner will consider these differences when deciding whether you’re in labor. 

Braxton Hicks contractions: 

• don’t open or dilate your cervix 

• usually last for about 30 seconds to 2 mins 

• can be uncomfortable, but usually aren’t painful 

• come and go at irregular times 

• usually occur no more than once or twice an hour, a few times a day — until late in your pregnancy 

• usually stop if you change position or activity or go for a walk 

• usually stop if you have a warm bath or shower 

Real labor contractions: 

• open or dilate your cervix 

• last 30 to 70 seconds 

• are painful or require your full attention 

• become very regular, and get closer together as time passes 

• last longer as time passes 

• get stronger or come more often when you walk 

• get stronger over time 

C. How long can they last 

There is no set time for how long prodromal labor lasts. This varies from person to person and from pregnancy to pregnancy. For most people, prodromal labor begins once you are close to full term (37 weeks). One episode of prodromal labor can last up to several days at a time. 

D. Strategies for relief 

For Braxton Hicks, there are a few things you can try for relief, like:  

Warmth- a warm bath or cuddle up with a warm hot water bottle 

Take a Break- if you have been doing too much try taking a break 

Drink some water- you might be starting to become dehydrated, but don’t forget to pee as a full bladder can also irritate your little one 

Practice your breathing- this is a good time to practice your breathing techniques if you took Lamaze classes to prepare for real labor 

Changing position- sometimes if you have been laying in one position for a while and you turn to your side it can cause your little one to move and relieve your contractions 

And if none of this helps or your still uncertain, then check with your healthcare provider, better to check and nothing is happening, than to wait