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Predictive contractions – i.e. Braxton-Hicks or Alvarez contractions – is a gynecological and obstetric term that describes the contractile activity of the uterine muscle of high amplitude and strength.
Predictive contractions
Predictive contractions are a term from the field of gynecology and obstetrics. There are two types of them:
- Alvarez – uncoordinated contractile activity of the uterine muscle of small amplitude and strength; these are the first contractions of pregnancy and may appear from the 20th week;
- Braxton-Hicks – with a frequency of 1-2 contractions per hour and an amplitude in the range of 2-4 kPa (15-30 mm Hg); contribute to the progression of labor, and took their name from the nineteenth-century English gynecologist John Braxton-Hicks, who was the first to describe them.
What are the cramps
Contractions are a sign of the body’s preparation for childbirth, although they occur long before it. Alvarez contractions are caused by the stretching of the muscles of the uterus, causing no pain, only discomfort. They are irregular and appear most often with rapid movements and physical exertion. They are not able to initiate the opening of the cervix, and thus start labor. A moment of rest in a soft position is enough for them to subside.
Braxton-Hicks contractions occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy. They are designed to strengthen the muscles of the uterus, which is preparing for labor contractions. They do this by stretching them. These are painful predictive contractions that can last up to several minutes, and are often accompanied by low back pain. They worsen as you get closer to the due date – after the 36th week they are treated as predictive contractions. Braxton-Hicks contractions, in addition to strengthening the muscles of the cervix, also have another important task – positioning the baby with its head towards the birth canal.
How to distinguish painful predictive contractions from childbirth? The first ones disappear after a certain period of time, while the labor not only persists, but also increases in strength. When they last more than two minutes, it is almost a sure sign that there is not much time left until delivery. In addition, labor contractions are stronger and last for several hours.
Can I take medication during predictive contractions?
During the contractions, you can take all the medications that are allowed during this period. 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.
If the predictive contractions are painful, a warm bath is recommended. It is also recommended to inhale deeply with your nose and slowly release it through your mouth. Appropriate techniques for managing contraction pain can be learned in birthing school.
You can learn more about the predicting pains on the websites devoted to motherhood and childbirth. Thanks to them, it is also possible to compare your own feelings about the prophetic pains with the described feelings of other women.