Recognizing Braxton - Hicks Contractions‘Braxton – Hicks contractions’ is a household term among women who are approaching her due date of delivery. They are the culprit behind those panicky drives to the emergency room, only to be told that labor has not started yet, and it’s nothing but a false alarm. Get to know what these bothersome contractions are, and learn to appreciate and manage them. Contractions are a classic sign that labor has begun, but only if these contractions (rhythmic tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscles) become progressive. Braxton-Hicks contractions are mild contractions, similar to very minimal menstrual cramping. They may be bothersome, and a few women find them uncomfortable. However, unlike the true contractions of labor, Braxton-Hicks contractions stop after a while. They do not increase in frequency (how often they occur in a minute), pain (true contractions become progressively more painful), and length (they don’t become longer within a minute). Instead, these contractions disappear when the woman changes her posture or position (for instances, she turns in bed, or rises from a sitting position). These contractions also go away if a woman drinks or eats. When the contractions are bothersome, women are advised to take a walk or snack on something. Braxton – Hicks contractions occur a few weeks before a woman is due to give birth. There is no exact reason behind their occurrence, however, they are nicknamed “practice contractions”. As the end of the pregnancy nears, the muscles of the uterus begin to test themselves out through these little contractions. In short, they occur so that the muscles can perform better to expel the baby when actual labor begins. Read more of our articles on labor and delivery
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