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Braxton Hicks Contractions Symptoms During Pregnancy

As the end of your pregnancy draws closer, you often encounter pains that feel like labor. These pains are usually Braxton Hicks contractions and are even known as false labor. These are sporadic contractions of your uterus that actually start 6 weeks into the pregnancy. They are noticed only mid pregnancy or later, and some women do not even notice them at all. These contractions eventually change to tightening of the uterine muscles, lasting for about 15 to 30 seconds each. As you get closer to your due date, these contractions tend to occur frequently.

There are no real causes for Braxton Hicks contractions. Identified by John Braxton Hicks in 1872, these contractions are believed to ready the uterus for birth. Hormonal changes in the pregnant woman’s body are also thought to be the cause for these contractions. These contractions are not vital to the birthing process and are not felt by all expectant mothers.

Braxton Hicks Contractions - Symptoms

You might experience these contractions through your pregnancy but you might only notice them close to term. Some of the main symptoms of Braxton Hicks contractions include:

• Irregular contractions close together
• A change in position usually stops these contractions
• The contractions are primarily in the front of the pelvis or abdomen

If you are experience any other signs, other than the symptoms listed here for Braxton Hicks contractions, you might want to call your primary caregiver. This especially holds true for mothers who have crossed week 37 in their pregnancy. During these contractions, if you notice additional changes, it might be the real deal.

Changes you should look out for include:

• Increased vaginal discharge, change in texture or even tinted with blood
• Abdominal pain with menstrual cramps like sensation
• Increased pressure on the pelvic region
• Consistent lower back pain
• Flu-like symptoms of nausea, diarrhea and vomiting
• Bleeding or fluid leak

If the contractions are under 12 minutes apart and you are still to cross 37 weeks, you should immediately seek medical care.

The pain in Braxton Hicks contractions is usually not acute. The intensity is known to fade quickly – this is also another indication that this could be false labor. You can try some tricks that may help alleviate the discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions.

• Try walking or moving, as changing your position can sometimes reduce the intensity of the contractions.
• You can try drinking water or fluids as dehydration can also bring on these contractions. Sometimes a full bladder can cause these contractions, so try going to the restroom.
• Get some rest or sleep or even try a massage. Breathing or visualization exercises might also work very well to reduce the Braxton Hicks contractions.

If none of the usual measures are working then you might want to visit your doctor. Even if the contractions are indeed false labor, sometimes just hearing this diagnosis from a doctor might help. Sometimes, trying a light exercise can also help. If you still continue to feel the discomfort through the exercise, it might be real labor.

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