I was watching a very interesting movie last week when I caught the term Braxton Hicks, I have never heard about this word before now, so I was very interested in knowing its meaning, and of course, all that is there to learn about it.
So, for learners like me who may not also know what the term means, it is a term used to describe false labor pains, in fact, another name for it is false labor pain. It is not usually felt until the second or third trimester of the pregnancy, it is the contractions of the uterus.
Braxton-Hicks contractions are the sporadic contractions and relaxations of the uterine muscle, and the way the body prepares for true labor, but this does not mean labor has started.
There is nothing to fear, as it is a normal part of pregnancy, although it may be uncomfortable but not painful when it happens. The contractions of Braxton Hicks are irregular in intensity and duration, they also occur infrequently and in an unpredictable way. The contractions of Braxton Hicks do not increase in frequency, intensity, or duration. They reduce after some time and then disappear but only to reappear again in the future.
Braxton Hicks contractions are believed to play a strong role in the toning of the uterine muscle in preparation for actual birth. Although Braxton Hicks contractions do not lead to dilation of the cervix, they may contribute to cervical softening.
The time-to-time contraction of the uterine muscle could also contribute significantly to promoting blood flow to the placenta. Braxton Hicks contractions make the blood flow up to the chronic plate on the fetal side of the placenta, and from that spot, it enters the fetal circulation.
The contractions are not predictable, the duration could be less than 30 seconds or for as long as 2 minutes. But when it comes to true labor contractions, that would last between 30 to less than 90 seconds and become longer as time goes on. While the contractions of Braxton Hicks are often weak or they stay the same, but when it comes to true labor, the contractions would get stronger as time goes on.
The contractions are felt in the front of the abdomen, but not at the back. Labor contractions, on the other hand, cause intense discomfort or aches in the back and lower abdomen. Some people may also experience pain in their sides and their thighs.
The reason why not all pregnant women experience Braxton Hicks is not something that any scientist has gotten an explanation for. However, it is believed that certain things may contribute to their existence, such as; being very active, being hydrated, lifting heavy objects, and having sex.
During Braxton Hicks's contractions, these things can be done to help us feel more comfortable;
- Make sure to empty your bladder.
- Take a simple walk if you have been sitting for a while.
- Consume more water and remain hydrated.
- Do something to help you relax. Maybe read a book, get a massage, or take a bath.
- Eat a snack.
- If you have been walking for a long time, then you should rest.
If any of these tips do not lessen the feeling, then a doctor should be contacted instantly. Also, if; virginal bleeding, leaking of fluid from the vagina, or contractions that makes it difficult for a woman to walk then a doctor also must be instantly contacted.
Braxton Hicks contractions are common towards the end phase of pregnancy. It could create a pattern that would increase intensity and frequency. The feeling should not be mistaken for the start of labour as it does not cause the cervix to dilate.
References.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22965-braxton-hicks
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/braxton-hicks-contractions
https://www.webmd.com/baby/true-false-labor
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/braxton-hicks/
https://www.webmd.com/baby/true-false-labor
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470546/
Hi, I am Tobi a writer, speaker, relationship blogger, and lover of good music. I love making friends and learning from people. Want to hear me speak on relationships and general life issues, you can find my YouTube channel where you can listen and watch any episode for free, please do not forget to subscribe, friends. I sincerely appreciate every love I get from here, Kindly do well to keep them coming.