What are Braxton Hicks?

By Robert Vaughan

Irregular, usually painless uterine contractions, Braxton Hicks tend to occur from around the middle of your pregnancy (although they can start much earlier) and increase in frequency as your due date nears. That’s not to say everyone gets them – and there’s no need to worry if you don’t.

Essentially, they’re the muscles of your womb contracting – typically for between 30 to 60 seconds at a time, but sometimes up to two minutes or so.

While many women are concerned and confused by them, Pamela Peery, author of “POP: 50 Amazing Secrets to a Successful Labor & Delivery or C-section,” explains that Braxton-Hicks are merely your body’s way of practicing for the real contractions to come later.

Why do Braxton Hicks happen?

Named after the English doctor, John Braxton Hicks, who first described them in 1872, today’s experts are divided as to Braxton Hicks’ purpose – some believe they help tone the uterine muscle and promote blood flow to the placenta, others that they help soften the cervix in preparation for labour.

Alternatively, it could just be your body having a right royal laugh at your sanity’s expense. As one Mumsnetter puts it: “They are mother nature’s joke on first-time mothers.”

Also known as ‘practice contractions’, they’re quite handy preparation for the full-blown article as you can practice your breathing exercises when they happen without feeling quite so foolish.

Braxton Hicks vs contractions – what’s the difference?

There’s many a red-faced mum-to-be that’s been turned away from the delivery ward thanks to Braxton Hicks – especially during the latter stages of labour when they can increase in frequency and strength – what’s sometimes referred to as “false labour”.

Typically though, Braxton Hicks differ from the real thing in that they’re irregular in intensity and frequency and their timing is unpredictable and non-rhythmic – they tend to turn up, do their erratic thing and then taper off. Plus, they’re usually not truly painful, more uncomfortable.

In contrast, real contractions increase in regularity, intensity and length as labour progresses, and become progressively painful.

How can I ease the discomfort?

While not as painful as true labour, Braxton Hicks can still be unpleasant. Common triggers include being active, someone touching your bump, having a full bladder, being dehydrated or following sex.

So don’t get overly fruity when you need a wee and are gasping for a cuppa. Seriously though, changing what you’re doing can often help, so if you’re lying down get up, or, conversely, if you’re walking around stop and put your feet up.

Practicing your breathing exercises, a warm (not too hot) bath, or, as dehydration is a trigger, drinking a few glasses of water can also help.

Warning signs to look out for, to see if you’re experiencing real ‘contractions,’ include:

• Lower back pain/cramping
• Bloody or watery vaginal discharge
• Regular contractions coming less than 12 minutes apart
• Heaviness in your pelvis and the urge to push
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

If you’re less than 37 weeks pregnant these could be signs you’re going into premature labour and you should contact your doctor or midwife immediately.

If you’re beyond 37 weeks, the above symptoms could mean D-Day has come a wee bit early. That said, if you experience any of the above or you think your waters have broken, you’re bleeding or you believe your baby is not moving as much as normal, you should still contact your doctor or midwife immediately.

Seek medical help if you have:

• Lower back pain/cramping
• Bloody or watery vaginal discharge
• Regular contractions coming less than 12 minutes apart
• Heaviness in your pelvis and the urge to push
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

For the most updated information you can connect me with on Facebook or Twitter or visit my website . I would love to hear from you. If you have your own story please share it with me. Thank you for all your support and remember to pick up a copy of my book for you or a friend that is expecting its a great and fun read.

Pop: 50 Amazing Secrets to a Successful Labor & Delivery or 

C-Section

Source: www.mumsnet.com