What is the purpose of Braxton Hicks contractions? Braxton Hicks contractions help tone your uterus' muscles and prepare your cervix for birth.
How can you tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and labor contractions? There are three primary differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and true contractions: Pattern Time your contractions from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next. Look for a regular pattern of contractions that get progressively stronger and closer together. Braxton Hicks contractions will remain irregular. Duration Time how long each contraction lasts.
True contractions last about 30 to 70 seconds. Change True contractions continue regardless of your activity level or position. With false labor, the contractions might stop when you walk, rest or change position.
How can you ease the discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions? Here are a few things to try to relieve any unpleasant feelings: Change your position, such as lying down or going for a walk. Take a warm bath. If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, contractions can be a sign of premature labour.
Contact your doctor or midwife immediately if:. If you are full-term, you may choose to wait until a bit later in your labour, depending on what you have arranged with your doctor or midwife. But if you feel uncomfortable, you can try:. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. You'll probably be having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions by now.
It's your body's way of preparing for the birth. They should stop if you move position. Learn how the uterus works, nurtures your baby and how it changes while you are pregnant. In this pregnancy week by week guide, find out how your baby is growing, how your body is changing and how to look after yourself.
Read more on raisingchildren. From conception to giving birth, a woman's body goes through many physical changes. Learn what happens to your body during pregnancy and labour.
Every labour and birth is unique and unpredictable, making it difficult to plan. It is common for women to feel some level of anxiety during pregnancy; perhaps about their changing body, the health of their baby or concerns about the birth.
If you are getting close to your due date and are experiencing contractions, you should be aware of the signs of early labor that accompany true labor contractions:. If you experience any of these signs along with regularly occurring contractions, you are probably in labor. You may not need to go to the hospital right away, but you should contact your OB doctor or midwife to let them know what symptoms you are experiencing and how far apart your contractions are. Braxton Hicks contractions present themselves so differently in successive pregnancies that even the most seasoned mothers can be confused , not to mention first-time mothers.
The best way to have peace of mind about these contractions, besides educating yourself, is to stay in close contact with your OB doctor and midwife. Florida's obstetricians and midwives at All About Women want you to feel confident with every step of your pregnancy. If you're concerned about contractions, or think you a re pregnant and need to ensure you and your baby are healthy, contact our Gainesville or Lake City office to schedule an appointment today.
View All Pregnancy Care Articles. Understanding and Identifying Braxton Hicks Contractions. Their intensity doesn't change. Braxton Hicks contractions usually remain fairly weak, while true labor contractions grow increasingly intense. They go away with a change in activity. Braxton Hicks contractions may come earlier and feel more intense.
This might be because your uterine muscles have already stretched out from previous pregnancies. Certain activities can trigger them. Experts aren't entirely sure what causes these false contractions, but they tend to get worse from sex, dehydration, exercise, or a full bladder.
Drinking water, changing positions, and practicing controlled breathing might stop them in their tracks. They might come at night. Some women notice that Braxton Hicks contractions occur most often at night—possibly because moms-to-be are more relaxed and observant. Also, you might have a full bladder or be sexually active at night both of which can trigger Braxton Hicks.
By Holly Pevzner Updated August 24,
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