Braxton hicks contractions

braxton hicks contractions

    Braxton Contractions: Everything You Need to Know About These “Fake” Contractions

    Do you feel like your belly is getting hard? Don't panic, these are probably Braxton-Hicks contractions. These physiological contractions are common during pregnancy. What are the tips for relieving them? How can you tell them apart from "real" labor contractions?

    Pregnancy: What is a Braxton-Hicks contraction?

    Braxton-Hicks contractions - named after the first doctor to describe them in 1872 - are very common during pregnancy. "These are physiological contractions , that is, real contractions that do not accompany labor" . "All pregnant women have them. Most of the time, they are painless, that is, patients do not feel them except when they place their hand on their stomach and feel the uterine muscle contract."

    What are the symptoms?

While Braxton-Hicks contractions can occur throughout pregnancy, they are usually most common in the third trimester . They are characterized by:
  • hardening of the abdomen (contraction of the uterine muscle)
  • irregular contractions lasting about 30 seconds and occurring several times a day,
  • sometimes a feeling of discomfort without it being painful.

    What can cause Braxton-Hicks contractions? What are the causes?

    Braxton-Hicks contractions are physiological contractions . "It is completely normal to have contractions during pregnancy" . "In fact, the closer you get to term , the more frequent they are . They are an integral part of the maturation process and prepare for childbirth ."

    Labor Contractions: How to Recognize Them? What Do They Feel Like?

    Unlike the contractions you feel at the end of pregnancy, "real" labor contractions are regular - spaced out at first, then closer together - stronger and, above all, much more painful . You can feel them in the belly but also in the lower back . "Depending on the position of the fetus, the "discomfort" can be localized in the belly, as if it were painful periods, or manifest as back pain, specify the authors of The Big Book of My Pregnancy. These are the contractions that radiate towards the lumbar region - we used to talk about "childbirth by the kidneys" - most often in relation to a position of the baby with the back to the back."

    While the so-called Braxton-Hicks contractions fade away with rest or by taking a warm bath, labor contractions persist despite relaxation . They will gradually modify the cervix, which will open at a rate of about one centimeter per hour .

    What is false labor?

    Before giving birth , there are often one or more episodes of uterine contractions … without it being the big day! These false alarms called “false labor” or “false onset of labor” are manifested by regular , painful contractions and sometimes even slight changes in the cervix . This false labor can last several hours and then stop completely. “If you have the slightest doubt, do not hesitate to call your midwife or the maternity ward to get medical advice” . The onset of “real” labor can take place several hours or several days after the “false labor ”.

    Pregnancy: how do you know if a contraction is affecting the cervix?

    Except for an examination (vaginal examination), it is difficult to know if the contractions felt by the mother-to-be are changing the cervix . "When the contractions are irregular and fade away , there is generally no need to worry" . On the other hand, when they are more frequent, painful and do not stop, you should consult a doctor . Sometimes, at the end of pregnancy, the pregnant woman may feel like small needle pricks or electric shocks: this is often a sign that the cervix is ​​maturing."

    Regular uterine contractions and lower abdominal pain: when to worry?

    It is completely normal to have uterine contractions at the end of pregnancy, but they should remain mildly painful and infrequent (less than ten per day). "In the event of contractions that are closer together, your doctor will look for changes in the cervix by vaginal examination, or better, by ultrasound measurement (vaginal ultrasound) of the length of the cervix that could indicate premature labor". If the contractions are regular and persistent, increase in frequency and intensity, and are accompanied by vaginal discharge (bleeding, etc.), consult your midwife or go to the hospital as soon as possible. Before 37 weeks, these may be a sign of premature labor.

    How to relieve "false contractions"?

    Sometimes called "false contractions" as opposed to "real" labor contractions, Braxton-Hicks contractions are not necessarily painful. "The abdomen becomes hard for one or two minutes and after three or four contractions spaced 5 or 10 minutes apart, everything returns to normal," explain the authors of The Big Book of My Pregnancy. If the contractions become unpleasant, lie down, turn on your left side, legs bent, breathe gently and relax. You can also take a bath, if your waters have not broken." In general, Braxton-Hicks contractions ease with a little rest, a change of position or a short walk. If necessary, the gynecologist can prescribe an antispasmodic to the mother-to-be.

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