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Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks Contractions that are often confused as regular contractions. They occur during pregnancy and can be more uncomfortable than painful. However, each patient often has a different experience with them. They are often referred to as False Labor.

These contractions originate in the Uterus and are considered a part of Childbirth. But these contractions do not indicate that the beginning of Labor has started.

Braxton Hicks Contractions can start as early as 6 weeks – these however are not typically felt by the mother. They can really begin at any point of the Pregnancy.  These types of contractions are often felt in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of Pregnancy.

Not all pregnant females will feel these contractions during their pregnancy.

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