Braxton Hicks contractions are referred to as false labour

These contractions of the uterus and are considered apart of childbirth but these contractions do not point to the beginning part of “going into labour“.

Can start as early as 6 weeks – these however are not typically felt by the mother

These contractions can be felt in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy

Not all pregnant females will feel these contractions

Causes:

-    Tightening of the uterine muscle
-    Occurs for 1-2 minutes
-    May help prepare for birth
-    May be apart of the process of Cervical Effacement

Symptoms:

Contractions that are:

-    Minimally painful to painless
-    Infrequent
-    Irregular

Things that can worsening the contractions

1.)    Dehydration
2.)    Full bladder
3.)    Certain movements

Factors to improve the contractions

-    Adequate hydration
-    Switching positions
-    Laying down
-    Rhythmic breathing
-    Urination