Braxton Hicks Contractions: What to do?
The wonderful event of bringing a life to the world comes with its own special challenges and false alarms, and experiencing them is just as normal as experiencing the excitement of the first kick inside your belly. One of the false alarms of pregnancy is Braxton Hicks contractions, and knowing what they are and what to do about them can free you from a lot of stress during this special process. Trust us when we say that it only takes a couple of minutes of reading to put yourself at ease, and together let’s explore the extent of this false alarm and how to control the situation.
What are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
A contraction is when your uterus tightens and then relaxes. Also known as prodromal or false labour pains, Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular contractions of the uterus that are normal, and typically not felt until the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions can be depicted as your body’s way of preparing for your actual labour, but they do not imply that the labour has begun.
What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?
Braxton hicks contractions are mild, irregular contractions in your belly that come and go. In most cases, they feel like tightness in your abdomen. These contractions do not get closer together and do not increase in their duration, frequency or intensity. These contractions can feel like mild menstrual cramps and though they can be quite uncomfortable, they usually do not affect your daily life. You can walk, talk and go on with your daily activities during Braxton Hicks contractions. They tend to last less than 30 seconds and they are rarely painful. And while some women may feel a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions, some women do not feel them at all.
Where Do You Feel Braxton Hicks Contractions The Most?
Braxton Hicks contractions can feel quite similar to menstrual cramps. When it happens, you usually feel them in the front of your belly, but not in your back or lower part of your uterus. We are sure that when we liken them to menstrual cramps they do not sound nice but uncomfortable, but they are not as painful as menstrual cramps possibly can get.
What Causes Braxton Hicks?
It is still not known why some get these false contractions and others do not. But rest assured that getting them is absolutely normal, as it is your uterine muscles preparing you and themselves for childbirth. Some professionals on the issue say that Braxton Hicks contractions help to soften and thin your cervix, which is also referred to as effacement.
While the actual reason behind Braxton Hicks is still unknown, it is guessed that some of these things might contribute to you getting them:
- Dehydration reduces the blood flow to the uterus, which might lead to cramping and contractions.
- Being very active, movement after being still for a while, exercising, and lifting heavy objects can lead your uterus to have contractions as well.
- Your bladder activity can affect the pressure on your uterus and cause Braxton Hicks as well. Having a full bladder, or emptying it changes the pressure on your uterus and can possibly cause contractions.
- Sexual intercourse during pregnancy could induce Braxton Hicks contractions as well, as your muscles contract during intercourse this can affect your uterus along the way.
How Can We Differentiate Between Braxton Hicks and Real Cramps?
During pregnancy, false alarms like this can be an extreme cause of stress, which is not good for both you and your baby. With simple questions, we can easily differentiate between real labour cramps and Braxton Hicks contractions, and put your mind at ease. During pregnancy, it is important to remember that one of the first things we have to maintain is our calmness. Let’s discover what can we ask to ourselves when experiencing cramps to understand if it is a false alarm or if we are going into labour.
- How often are we experiencing contractions? While Braxton hicks contractions are irregular and do not get close together, real labour cramps are stronger and are regular. It can be helpful to write down how much time it takes from the start of one contraction to the other and pay attention to how much pain you feel during them.
- How long do contractions last? Real labour cramps can last up to 90 seconds, while Braxton Hicks contractions tend to last shorter though they are unpredictable.
- Do contractions change when we move? When experiencing Braxton Hicks, walking or changing positions could make them stop while real labour cramps do not change or worsen when you walk or shift positions.
- How intense are the contractions? Do they get stronger with time? Braxton Hicks contractions vary from weak to strong and if they start strong, they get weaker over time. On the other hand, labour cramps get stronger and more intense. Talking or walking can get difficult.
- Where do we feel the pain? During Braxton Hicks cramps, you feel the contractions in the front of your lower belly. Real labour cramps hit your cervix, belly or lower back. Pain can be felt throughout your whole body.
- Are there any other symptoms present at the same time? Braxton Hicks are usually present on their own, and no other labour symptoms are present. During real labour cramps your water might break, you might have a bloody show or lose your mucus plug. It might be helpful to time your contractions.
What To Do When You Feel Braxton Hicks Contractions?
These contractions can come unexpectedly and be a quick source of stress. After being sure that they are really a false alarm, with small and easy actions, we can lighten their effects or make them completely go away. Let’s check what can be done to ease the cramps:
- If you have been sitting for a long time, taking a walk or simply moving around a bit can ease the pressure.
- On the opposite, if you get cramps while moving around, lying down and resting can ease the cramps.
- Staying hydrated can prevent any possible cramps of dehydration.
- Having a regular meal schedule and snacking when necessary can also prevent the pressure on your abdomen.
- Having regular bathroom breaks can help prevent tension in your bladder, which can prevent accumulating tension in your muscles and uterus.
- Relaxing activities like taking a bath or getting a prenatal massage can ease your muscles, set your mind at ease and prevent any possible false alarms.
Do They Mean Labour is Near?
No, it does not. Experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions means your body is preparing for labour, but it doesn’t mean labour is starting or getting close. Braxton Hicks cramps can occur weeks or months before real labour begins, and are harmless.
