The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment. Updated April 30, What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions? Labour contractions are regular, predictable, and grow closer together over time. Braxton Hicks Contractions are felt in the front of the body. Labour contractions often start out in your lower back or abdomen.
Sometimes they may feel like extreme period pains. A change in activity or position may cause Braxton Hicks Contractions to lessen or stop. A change in activity or position will not slow or stop labour contractions. Typically, a Braxton Hicks contraction will last between 30 and 60 seconds. Braxton Hicks contractions are mild, irregular contractions during pregnancy.
They feel like tightness in your abdomen. Some women feel a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions, while some women don't feel them at all. They typically last less than 30 seconds, and they are uncomfortable but rarely painful. These contractions also tend to occur more often and become stronger as you approach your due date.
Finally, they're more likely to occur in the afternoon or evening, after physical activity, or after sex. Contact your health care provider if contractions become regular and steadily increase in strength.
For some women, Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable, and they tend to become stronger as their due dates approach. During pregnancy, expect false alarms.
No one knows for sure what triggers labor, and every woman's experience is different. Sometimes it's hard to tell when labor begins. Don't hesitate to call your health care provider if you're confused about whether you're in labor or if you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions.
Preterm labor can be especially sneaky. If you have any signs of labor before 37 weeks, especially if you also experience vaginal spotting, consult your health care provider.
If you arrive at the hospital in false labor, don't feel embarrassed or frustrated. Think of it as a practice run. The real thing is likely on its way. The pregnancy professionals are still scratching their heads about why this happens.
Having intercourse during the second half of pregnancy may trigger false contractions. It seems that orgasms and the prostaglandins in semen can kick off these temporary uterine sensations. Braxton Hicks may also get worse from exercising or dehydration, so if they hit, you can also try drinking some water and resting for a little while.
When the pain strikes, get up and move around. Shifting your movement patterns can often put an end to Braxton Hicks contractions real contractions can't be quelled like that. You can also try test-driving the breathing exercises you're learning for labor in your childbirth classes.
When you're in labor, you'll probably experience a host of other symptoms, such as unusual vaginal discharge, abdominal pain or cramps, backaches, and water breaking. None of these happen with Braxton Hicks contractions. What do Braxton Hicks feel like with twins, triplets, or more babies? Experts claim they feel the same as singleton pregnancies—like a random tightening or hardening of the uterus that lasts less than two minutes.
However, pregnancies with multiples are associated with a higher risk for preterm labor, so make sure you don't mistake Braxton Hicks for the real deal.
By Nicole Harris Updated August 24, Save Pin FB More.
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