Generality
Braxton Hicks contractions are abdominal spasms, similar to labor pains, which appear in the last months of pregnancy . In the course of this phenomenon, the fibers of the muscular tissues of the uterus contract repeatedly, but do not cause severe pain and do not induce any dilation.
Braxton Hicks contractions appear spontaneously in order to prepare the uterus for childbirth ; more easily, then, these present as a reaction to fetal movements, bumps, sexual stimulation, excessive dehydration or insufficient rest.
Knowing the existence of this symptom is important for the expectant mother, as it allows her to avoid alarms or unnecessary worries. Despite increasing frequency and intensity in the last quarter (especially in the onset of labor), in fact, Braxton Hicks contractions are harmless.
What are
The contractions of Braxton Hicks are isolated and non-rhythmic spasms of the uterine musculature, which cause a sensation of bite at the level of the abdomen. These " false pains of labor " can be felt already in the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy and represent a completely physiological phenomenon.
Braxton Hicks contractions fall into a preparatory phase, very useful before giving birth, which can sometimes last even a few days.
Contrary to the "real" contractions that occur during labor, those of Braxton Hicks are not painful, do not modify the cervix and are not continuous, but irregular.
Note
- Braxton Hicks contractions are named after the English doctor who first identified them in 1872.
- These spasms are not actual contractions, but are manifested in the preparatory phase of childbirth, in the last trimester of pregnancy.
- Braxton Hicks contractions must be understood as "exercises" of the body that is preparing for labor .
- Not all women experience this manifestation during pregnancy.
Causes
Braxton Hicks contractions are "false" labor pains that prepare the uterus for labor and delivery. These spasms are induced by the hormone oxytocin in order to strengthen the uterine muscles and promote blood flow to the placenta. For this reason, the contractions of Braxton Hicks are considered an aid to the body in the preparation for the birth of the child, so much so that often they are also called "test contractions" . It may happen that this phenomenon also occurs because of the overly full bladder, after sexual intercourse or due to excessive dehydration.
Unlike the labor contractions that precede childbirth, those of Braxton Hicks do not cause the shortening and dilation of the cervix.
Women who experience these contractions should not worry, except in cases where there is the simultaneous appearance of severe abdominal pain, bleeding, continuous fluid loss or bleeding. In this case, expectant mothers should immediately contact their doctor or gynecologist.
Symptoms and complications
Braxton Hicks contractions are uterine muscle spasms, noticeable since the second trimester of pregnancy, which become more frequent during the third trimester.
Braxton Hicks contractions last about 30 seconds, during which the belly becomes hard and remains contracted for a few seconds; then, everything returns to normal. These spasms appear at irregular intervals and, generally, they are not close together (in some cases, however, they can occur even at intervals of 5-10 minutes) and can suddenly cease. In any case, the painful sensation is almost completely absent: Braxton Hicks contractions resemble more the discomfort or discomfort caused by menstrual cramps.
However, every pregnancy has its own peculiarities, so there are women who never experience these symptoms.
How to recognize the contractions of Braxton Hicks
Braxton Hicks contractions become more intense in the last quarter, when the birth is approaching.
Unlike "real" contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions can be recognized for various reasons, including:
- They do not occur in succession: these contractions are not regular, but they are sporadic and last less than 30-40 seconds;
- They do not increase in frequency and do not have progressive intensity: even if they cause discomfort, the extent of the contraction remains constant and the discomfort does not increase in the next;
- They do not involve painful symptoms: they can be so mild that, at times, they are not perceived by pregnant women or, in any case, not strong and regular enough to induce labor;
- They tend to resolve if you walk, change position or lie down.
The variables that allow women to contract to be felt are numerous and may depend on:
- Women's weight and constitution;
- Pain threshold (variable from person to person).
Frequently, Braxton Hicks contractions can be felt in the following cases:
- The child is moving;
- The pregnant woman has a full bladder;
- After a sexual relationship;
- The future mother is particularly dehydrated.
Difference with contractions of childbirth
Braxton Hicks contractions are not usually painful, but vaguely resemble menstrual cramps; when warned, most women experience mild symptoms, such as lower back pain and hardening of the belly.
The prodromal contractions that are experienced during labor, on the other hand, are decidedly more painful, they are repeated at more and more regular intervals (every 2-6 minutes) and last from 30 to 60 seconds. The latter progressively increase in intensity, becoming increasingly painful and not diminishing by changing position or walking. The pain manifests itself in the area of the abdomen extending, then to the lumbar area, radiating to the hips, thighs and pubis.
On the contrary, Braxton Hicks contractions affect the abdomen, follow a regular intermittence and do not intensify in temporal progression. Furthermore, they tend to disappear by changing position, lying down or walking.
What to do
Mitigating factors
To alleviate the disturbance caused by Braxton Hicks contractions, various precautions can be implemented, such as:
- Walking and changing position;
- Rest, lying on one side;
- Try relaxing with a nice massage or a hot drink;
- Take a bath with warm water;
- Try to stay calm, checking your breathing;
- Drink lots of fluids;
- Take a bath in warm water.
In case of doubt
If you have doubts about the nature of the contractions that occur during gestation, it is always advisable to contact your gynecologist.
Recourse to a doctor is necessary even when the disorder does not diminish even if you change position or walk, or if they occur:
- Vaginal bleeding;
- Continuous loss of liquids.
If the pregnancy has a period of less than 37 weeks and there are typical contractions at the end of gestation, or the baby's movements are reduced (less than 10 movements in two hours) it is essential to seek medical attention.
