How to Identify Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are false, "practice" or uterus conditioning labor pains that occur before actual labor begins. They're true contractions that occur when the uterus tightens as a result of the hormone oxytocin; however, they're not strong enough to initiate labor. They're a perfectly normal part of pregnancy and can begin to occur as early as the second trimester, although they usually occur more commonly in the third trimester of your pregnancy; also, not every pregnant woman will experience them.

Braxton Hicks contractions are your body’s way of getting ready for actual labor. Initially they may be scary, especially as their intensity increases near the end of the pregnancy and you're not sure if it's the real deal or not. As such, for your peace of mind it's important to know how to identify the difference between false labor pains and the real thing.

EditSteps

Spotting the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and the real thing

1. 1
   Recognize how Braxton Hicks contractions feel. These contractions are not typically painful and they don't occur at regular intervals. Unlike true contractions that can bring on labor, Braxton Hicks contractions will fluctuate in an inconsistent pattern. They occur as a tightening in the abdomen and they will come and go without getting closer together. On the other hand, when you're in true labor, contractions will occur closer together, increase with walking and will last longer each time you have one as the labor progresses. Braxton Hicks contractions don't behave in this way, but instead, tend to go away when you walk, lie down or change positions.
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   Be aware of how true labor contractions will feel. Since contractions can feel different for each woman, the following indicators are general observations drawn from other women's experiences, and you may or may not experience each or any of these reactions:
   • Real contractions generally cause discomfort or a dull ache in your lower abdomen and/or back.
   • They cause pressure in your pelvis.
   • It is common for some women to have pain in their sides or thighs.
   • Women have described true labor contractions as being very similar to severe menstrual cramps or diarrhea cramps.
   • True contractions occur at regular intervals and can last 30-70 seconds (on average, about a minute). Some signs that you're experiencing true labor and not Braxton Hicks are contractions every 5 to 10 minutes or less, having more than five contractions in an hour, regular ongoing pain in your back or lower abdomen, pressure in your pelvis or vagina, menstrual or diarrhea-like cramps, bleeding, fluid leak and nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

What to do if you're concerned

1. 1
   Remember that it is okay to contact your health care provider with any concerns.
   • It is important to contact your doctor immediately if you are showing any signs of true labor.
   • If you're not certain, it is best to err on the side of caution and call. Your doctor will usually be able to tell just by speaking with you on the phone and analyzing your voice if you're experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions or the real thing. During true labor contractions, it's highly likely that you won't be able to speak calmly.
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   Don't be reticent to ask questions. Your doctors are available at all times and are there to answer your questions and ease your concerns. Do not worry about bothering them with too many questions. When it comes to your safety and the safety of your baby, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Relieving any discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions

1. 1
   Try to relieve any discomfort associated with Braxton Hicks contractions. Some simple methods to relieve discomfort include:
   • You can take a walk or change positions. This is a good way to know if you're having true or false contractions because walking or changing positions won't get rid of true contractions.
   • You can also try getting some sleep, relaxing, drinking or eating something or getting a massage.
   • It is also believed that a warm bath can help to relax your body and calm the uterus. Be sure that it is only lukewarm though, and not hot, for the sake of the baby.
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   Note that any pain experienced on the side of your stomach is probably not true labor. These pains are called round ligament pain and they travel into your groin. They can be caused from stretching ligaments that support your uterus. To ease these pains, try changing your position or activity level.
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   Drink plenty of fluids every day and make sure you are getting enough rest. This is important whether or not you're experiencing discomfort of any sort during pregnancy.
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   Stay calm. Pay attention to the feeling of your belly when Braxton Hicks contractions first begin to occur. Some women recognize them as contractions and understand what is going on as soon as they feel them. This is especially true if it is a repeat pregnancy. If it is your first pregnancy, you may not know what to look for. A good way to figure out what is going on when your stomach is tightening is to gently place your hands on your belly while one of these contractions is occurring. When you touch your stomach it will feel like a tight drumhead and it will usually pass within a few seconds. Try to control your breathing and change positions or drink some water until it is over.

EditTips

• These contractions are usually just uncomfortable but not painful. They can be triggered by something trivial such as your baby moving or someone touching your stomach. They can also be triggered when your bladder is full, after you have sex or when you're dehydrated.
• Even though people tend to call them practice contractions, they do not dilate the cervix like real contractions do. Most doctors believe that Braxton Hicks contractions help tone the uterine muscle and promote flow of blood to the placenta.
• Most doctors say that although some women describe Braxton Hicks contractions as being very painful, the majority of these women are first time mothers who have not experienced labor pains yet and pain response is very subjective. Anxiety can contribute to the intensity of pain a woman may feel. Make sure you're resting adequately throughout the pregnancy and minimizing the stress in your life, for both your sake and that of the baby.

EditWarnings

• It's important to understand that there is nothing wrong with contacting your doctor at any time.
• It's essential to call your doctor if you have any vaginal bleeding, continual leaking of fluid, contractions lasting every 5 minutes for an hour, contractions that do not go away by walking or changing positions, a decline in noticeable baby movements or if you feel less than 10 baby movements every 2 hours or any symptoms of contractions if you are less than 37 weeks along in your pregnancy.