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Braxton-Hicks contractions are contractions of the uterus that occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy. They contribute to the progression of labor. They took their name from the nineteenth-century English gynecologist John Braxton-Hicks, who was the first to professionally describe it.
What are Braxton-Hicks contractions?
Braxton-Hicks contractions they are designed to strengthen the muscles of the uterus as it prepares for labor contractions. They do this by stretching them. Contractions they may or may not be painful, which depends on the woman’s body – at the end of pregnancy, they may last several minutes, and are often accompanied by pain in the lower back. They worsen as you get closer to the due date – after the 36th week they can occur just before the right ones labor contractions. In addition to strengthening the muscles of the cervix, they also have another, extremely important task for the birth process – positioning the baby with its head towards the birth canal.
Braxton-Hicks contractions – how often do they happen?
Contractions they usually last about 30–45 seconds. However, in the eighth and ninth months of pregnancy, they may occur as often as every 20–30 minutes. At this early stage of pregnancy, their appearance varies greatly – sometimes you feel one every few hours, and sometimes a few within an hour. It all depends on the woman’s body.
Predictive contractions – are they the same?
Braxton-Hicks contractions are referred to as “predictive contractions”. However, it is possible to distinguish between painful contractions and labor contractions. Braxton-Hicks contractions they resolve on their own after a certain period of time, while labor not only persists but also increases in strength. Moreover labor contractions they are stronger and last for several hours while Braxton-Hicks contractions do not exceed two minutes.
Braxton-Hicks contractions and Alvarez contractions
In obstetrics and gynecology, Alvarez contractions are also distinguished – these are the first pregnancy contractions that may appear as early as 20 weeks. They are uncoordinated contractile activity of the uterine muscle of small amplitude and strength. They fade away after appearing Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Can I take medication during predictive contractions?
When it comes to relieving pain due to muscle tightening, you can take relaxants, such as No-Spa, but this requires prior consultation with a doctor or gynecologist.
If predictive contractions cause pain, a warm bath is recommended. It is also recommended to inhale deeply with your nose and slowly release it through your mouth. Adequate coping techniques for pain induced by contractions can be learned in birthing school.
More information on predictive pain and how to alleviate it can be found on the websites dedicated to motherhood and childbirth. Thanks to them, it becomes possible to compare one’s own feelings about the prophetic pains with the feelings of other women.
If Braxton-Hicks contractions do not go away after some time, and even become stronger, you should go to the hospital immediately.