Late in the second trimester and throughout the third trimester many pregnant women experience an uncomfortable phenomenon known as Braxton Hicks Contractions. Though they feel similar to real labor contractions and can cause a panic in the mind of a pregnant women, these contractions are inactive and are relatively harmless.
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, Braxton Hicks contractions occur when the uterine muscles tighten and are possibly the body's way of getting the uterus ready for stronger and more effective contractions that occur in actual labor. Unlike labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions do not cause a pregnant woman's cervix to dilate.
Differences Between Real Contractions and Braxton Hicks
There are a number of differences between actual labor contractions and false labor contractions known as Braxton Hicks. The following are good indicators that the pain being felt by and expecting mother is attributed to Braxton Hicks.
- Pain is inconsistent in intensity and does not get worse
- Contractions happen once in a while and not regularly
- Pains do not come in intervals (every half hour, ten minutes apart, etc...)
- Pains are not severe
- Pains disappear and then come back
What Can Bring on Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Although Braxton Hicks contractions can occur without any trigger at all, there are a few factors that may inadvertently cause their onset.
- A pregnant women not getting enough fluids and becoming dehydrated
- Fetal movement
- External pressure on the stomach
- Strenuous activity
- Intercourse
Ways to Relieve Braxton Hicks Contractions
- It is important that a pregnant woman experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions make sure she is drinking enough fluids, especially water
- A full bladder can sometimes cause Braxton Hicks contractions and a pregnant woman should empty her bladder as soon as possible after she feels the sensation of needing to urinate.
- Relaxation and breathing exercises may provide some relief
- Taking a warm shower and allowing water to cascade over the belly may decrease contractions
- Having a woman put her feet up or lay on her left side may provide some relief
- If a woman finds she experiences contractions more when resting, getting up and doing some light exercise may help relieve contractions in her case
As with all unusual symptoms of pregnancy it is important that a woman notifies her doctor of any changes such as the onset of Braxton Hicks contractions. While a woman may be almost certain that what she is experiencing is false labor it is best to be cautious just in case what she is experiencing is the beginning of premature labor. Once examined and a doctor confirms that what she is experiencing is Braxton Hicks an expectant mother can rest easier and make efforts to relieve discomfort.
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