The contractions were named after a scientist engaged in research in this area. Cramps appear in women after the 20th week of pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions help the baby take the correct position, move through the birth canal, and increase blood access to the uterus.
The paroxysmal contraction of the organ shows the woman that the reproductive system is preparing for childbirth already in the early stages of pregnancy. But the cervix does not open at this time, which means that real labor does not occur. The uterine muscles periodically tense and remain in this state for 30–60 seconds.
How many weeks do Braxton Higgins contractions start? On the 6th, but at this time contractions are not felt. The reason is the size of the reproductive organ. Spasms become noticeable in the 3rd trimester, when the uterus reaches a large size.
False contractions are considered the norm in the life of a pregnant woman; they often go unnoticed. The uterus hardens and can be easily felt. Contractions are painless, do not cause physical discomfort, and the frequency does not exceed the norm.
Causes:
- the appearance of spasm keeps the uterine muscle in working order;
- provides blood supply to the placenta;
- prepare the cervix for labor.
Any touch to the abdominal area affects the birth of false contractions. A full bladder causes discomfort. The baby's behavior during Brecton Hicks training contractions becomes too active. The occurrence of false contractions appears mainly in the evenings, when the woman is resting. Mom relaxes, it is easier to notice the changes taking place in this state.
Symptoms, signs
Braxton Higgs contractions are irregular spasms of the organ that do not increase in intensity over time. The duration ranges from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The frequency is 2 – 4 manifestations per hour. During contraction, the firmness of the abdomen is felt, the position of the fetus is felt, no pain is observed.
How do Braxton Hicks contractions feel?
- irregularity;
- no pain, only inconvenience;
- irregularity;
- tenderness of compression in the upper part of the uterus;
- unpredictability.
Tension is concentrated in one specific place and does not spread throughout the abdomen. This significantly distinguishes Hicks contractions from real ones. Gradually the discomfort decreases and completely disappears. Training contractions occur through certain actions, and a woman can stimulate their appearance.
False contractions cause:
- experiences;
- dehydration;
- unrest;
- full bladder;
- orgasm during sex;
- maternal activity;
- baby's mobility in the womb.
The sensation of Braxton Hicks contractions can occur from a hand placed on the stomach. In order not to provoke the appearance of temporary spasms, monitor your emotions, actions, and actions. It is better to prevent unwanted situations.
It is necessary to distinguish false contractions from real ones. The first ones occur irregularly and painlessly. The second is characterized by an increase in pain. Training sessions in the later stages occur with a certain frequency, not regularly. The power of manifestation is great, but painless. When pain that is difficult to bear appears, analyze the frequency. Identical periods of time indicate real contractions and the approach of labor.
Relief of false spasms
Scientists around the world cannot give a clear answer why Braxton Higgins training contractions are built into the body, and why a woman needs it. There are different theories based on the versatility of abbreviations. Some obstetricians call the process of preparing for childbirth. This is where the name training came from. The cervix ripens during the preparatory period.
The second group considers contractions as the body’s response to hormonal changes. It is believed that no preparation takes place. Another important function, no less significant, is the supply of oxygen to the placenta.
A woman gets the opportunity to practice breathing when she feels the symptoms of Braxton Hicks contractions. Prenatal courses teach inhalation and exhalation techniques. The actions should become automatic; the mother will be able to perform them involuntarily to alleviate the condition during the birth process.
Exercises:
- "Economy breathing" Exhale slowly at the peak of the spasm. Then take a deep breath. When you exhale, you feel cleansing;
- "Like a dog". Breathe frequently and shallowly. Watch how the dog does this in the heat, try to repeat it. The action lasts no more than 30 seconds, dizziness begins from lack of oxygen;
- "candle". Inhale deeply through your nose. Take it slow. Next, exhale sharply through your mouth. The exhalation should be short, do not prolong it.
When it was not possible to avoid the appearance of false contractions, you need to know how to alleviate the condition. If the training contractions go unnoticed, there is no cause for concern. The spasms have started and are causing discomfort, try to move, turn around, change position.
Does your stomach hurt during Braxton Hicks contractions? Not always, often it goes unnoticed. If pain occurs, then with correct behavior the discomfort will disappear.
Ways to quickly relieve uterine contractions:
- take a leisurely walk, walking will relax the smooth muscles;
- change your body position, tension is often caused by an uncomfortable position;
- take a warm bath or shower, they will relieve muscle spasms;
- drink more, any liquid taken in sufficient quantity will prevent dehydration;
- do breathing exercises when Braxton Higgs contractions begin, oxygen relieves the mother’s condition and calms the child’s excessive activity;
- practice relaxation, relax, get distracted, listen to pleasant music.
Simple actions help you wait out training contractions and help relieve discomfort. If you behave correctly, false contractions do not cause inconvenience and pass quickly.
When you need a doctor's help
Training cramps are considered normal. Despite this, there are a number of signs that indicate problems with pregnancy. If you notice that abnormalities are occurring in your body, that something is going wrong, contact your gynecologist.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions like? Pulling sensations in the lower abdomen. When spasms increase in intensity and frequency, they are mistaken for real. The reproductive organ is preparing for the birth process.
Reasons to go to the gynecologist:
- bleeding began;
- lower back pain syndrome appeared;
- water broke;
- there was copious blood and water discharge;
- fetal movement decreased.
In the last months of pregnancy, when the baby's gestation period is coming to an end, intense, regular contractions indicate that labor is approaching. Frequent, prolonged spasms indicate its onset. You need to contact a gynecologist without delay.
When the ambulance arrives, try to determine the location of the pain. If the stomach is tightened as if by a belt, this is false labor. With real ones, the pain begins in the lower back and moves towards the stomach. Assess the intensity of the spasm. During training contractions they feel pain, then it weakens and goes away unnoticed. Real contractions are marked by an increase in pain.
How often do Braxton contractions occur? From several times an hour to 1 - 2 times a day, they begin at the end of pregnancy. The duration does not change for a particular woman.
When training contractions become more frequent in the last months of pregnancy, consult a gynecologist. It is worth checking to see if the cervix is dilating. Perhaps real contractions have begun, the fetus is approaching exit.
Braxton-Hicks contractions, or training contractions as they are also called, are contractions of the smooth muscles of the uterus that do not lead to its opening and the onset of labor. They are named after the English doctor who first described them at the end of the 19th century.
Not all pregnant women are familiar with this phenomenon. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at Braxton-Hicks contractions and give them a full description.
How do Braxton Hicks contractions occur?
Most often, this phenomenon begins to be observed after the 20th week of pregnancy. However, as mentioned above, not all pregnant women have them.
In most cases, Braxton-Hicks contractions are felt as a small contraction of the uterus, which can be identified by cramping, mild (sometimes completely unnoticeable) pain. They don't last long - about 30-60 seconds. Their frequency may vary, i.e. They can be observed several times a day to several times an hour. It is in the latter case, especially in the later stages, that pregnant women mistake them for. At the same time, training contractions for a pregnant woman do not bring any severe discomfort.
What sensations does a pregnant woman experience when Braxton-Hicks training contractions appear and how can they be distinguished from labor contractions?
According to their own feelings, pregnant women describe Braxton-Hicks contractions as follows: a moderate feeling of compression, mainly in the upper part of the uterus, i.e. lower abdomen or groin.
First of all, if such symptoms appear, it is necessary to exclude Braxton-Hicks contractions. If we talk about their main differences from those that accompany the birth process, then, first of all, these are:
Articles on the topic
Toxicosis is a normal reaction of the body to the changes that occur during pregnancy. Its manifestations and the inconveniences it causes are absolutely individual for each woman. Next, we will tell you how early toxicosis of pregnant women usually begins and how long it lasts.
HCG is a hormone that determines pregnancy in the earliest stages, even when ultrasound does not yet provide complete information. Let's look at the table to see how the level of this hormone changes during pregnancy and how its results are assessed.
In this article:
Every woman, being pregnant, is very sensitive to the slightest changes in her condition. And this is correct, since these changes entail the next stage in the development of pregnancy, and indicate that the long-awaited meeting of mother and baby is just around the corner. For example, towards the end of pregnancy, expectant mothers begin to experience sensations similar to mild contractions. This is a cause for concern for many, but should you be worried? Let's figure it out.
Braxton Hicks contractions - what are they?
This phenomenon received its name in 1982 in honor of its discoverer, the English doctor John Braxton Hicks. Oddly enough, it was the man who noticed and described this process. It is a contraction of the uterine muscles lasting 1 to 2 minutes. Such contractions become noticeable after the 20th week of pregnancy and are characterized as a short-term increase in uterine tone. Over time, the number of such contractions increases, but the duration remains the same.
Why is this happening?
Braxton Hicks contractions are quite rightly also called training contractions. During the entire period of pregnancy, the uterus undergoes changes in connection with maintaining the vital activity of the fetus and performing a protective function. In addition, during pregnancy its size increases 500 times. The uterine muscles tend to contract and be in good shape, so they simply need training in order to perform their main function during childbirth - to push the fetus out. In addition, with the help of such contractions, the expectant mother gets an excellent opportunity to learn how to breathe correctly during labor contractions by performing special breathing exercises.
Another useful and necessary function of Hicks contractions is to increase the flow of oxygen to the placenta. This also occurs due to increased muscle tone.
How does a woman feel?
Training contractions are usually painless and do not cause severe discomfort. It's easy to recognize them. Their signs can be considered: slight numbness of the abdomen, periodic tension of the muscles of the uterus and slight nagging pain in the lumbar region. Such sensations do not bring pain, rather inconvenience, gradually fade away, and then completely disappear. The fetus most often behaves actively during such contractions.
How to get rid of discomfort
There are several methods to help yourself during Braxton Hicks contractions and relieve discomfort:
- A quiet walk will help relax the muscles of the uterus;
- A warm bath or refreshing shower can also help relieve muscle spasms;
- Comfortable body position;
- A glass of water, fruit drink or juice will calm your overall condition;
- Relaxation;
- Breathing exercises will not only help the mother, but will also increase the flow of oxygen to the fetus.
Reason to see a doctor
If a woman notices an increase in the frequency of training contractions and an increase in their pain, then this may be a signal of the onset of labor. These contractions are harbingers of labor, which contribute to the dilatation of the cervix. Childbirth is a process that occurs individually for each woman. Therefore, only a doctor can determine whether these contractions are false or labor.
So, you need to see a doctor immediately if you notice that:
- Contractions became intense, regular, prolonged and frequent.
- Bloody discharge from the vagina appeared.
- Bleeding began.
- An obsessive pain appeared in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lower back.
- The waters have broken.
- Weak fetal movement or complete absence of movement.
Waiting for the birth
Braxton Hicks contractions are a normal process in which the expectant mother's body prepares for childbirth. Thanks to it, one can conclude that the pregnancy is going well, and the main event in a woman’s life will soon happen - the birth of her baby. If a woman notices an increase in contractions or increased pain in the body, this may be a signal that labor has begun. In this case, you should immediately go to the maternity hospital.
Video about preparing the female body for childbirth
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Most women give birth between 38 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, and sometimes labor can begin as early as two weeks before the expected due date or two weeks later.
However, some women experience Braxton Hicks contractions, or irregular contractions of the uterus, until day X. Braxton Hicks contractions (also known as false contractions, training contractions) can begin as early as the second trimester of pregnancy, but are most common in the third trimester.
Braxton Hicks contractions occur when the muscles of the uterus contract. They are usually without periodicity, do not follow a “pattern”, and do not increase in intensity or frequency.
Of course, they may scare you, and you may think that real contractions are coming. Braxton Hicks contractions are normal and beneficial in their own way: they train the muscles of the uterus, preparing it for childbirth, and they also enable you to practice breathing and learn to use other relaxation techniques to soothe pain during contractions.
What causes Braxton Hicks contractions, what causes training contractions?
Experts don't know the answer to the question of what causes Braxton Hicks contractions, but these false contractions appear to tune the muscle tissue of the uterus, training them before childbirth, and also thanks to training contractions blood flow to the placenta improves. The biggest difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and real contractions is that with Braxton contractions the cervix remains unchanged, but with real uterine contractions, when labor occurs, the contractions lead to opening of the cervix. Certain situations trigger Braxton Hicks contractions, including:
- active activity of the mother or activity of the baby in the womb
- if you or someone else puts your hand on your stomach
- dehydration
- full bladder
- sex (orgasm).
How common are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Most women experience Braxton Hicks contractions, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy as they approach their due date.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish training contractions from the real ones, but if you carefully monitor the sensations, you will be able to determine what’s what. The main difference is the frequency and duration of contractions. If you have any doubts or concerns, be sure to consult your doctor.
Braxton Hicks contractions (training contractions) can be identified using the following characteristics:
- a feeling of tightness in the upper part of the uterus or in the lower abdomen and groin;
- concentration in one area (and not through the entire stomach into the lower back, as with real contractions);
- irregularity (less than 6 contractions per hour);
- intensity of violations;
- unpredictable;
- non-rhythmic (the picture is not observed: the contraction becomes longer and more painful over time, the duration of the break between contractions is reduced - as with real contractions, but with real contractions);
- not very painful, although they, of course, can cause severe inconvenience;
- Gradually the contractions fade away and then disappear altogether.
As your pregnancy progresses, Braxton Hicks contractions may become more intense and even painful. It is better to concentrate on what kind of contractions they are (whether there is regularity, whether the pain is increasing or, conversely, subsiding), it will help if you try to rest and relax.
If it seems to you that the picture is not changing, or the contractions are increasing even when you are resting, then most likely you are going into labor! Stop sitting in front of the computer, call your doctor :)
How can you manage Braxton Hicks contractions?
False contractions give you the opportunity to practice breathing exercises, check what relaxation methods help you to muffle the pain - after all, all this will be useful during real contractions during childbirth. Try to calm down, determine the length and frequency of contractions. Calculate how long each contraction lasts and what is the interval between them. Now there are many online services on the Internet that will help you do this. Just type in a search engine "scramble-counter". Real contractions usually last at least 30 seconds once they start and can last up to 75 seconds. As they progress, contractions become stronger.
Braxton Hicks contractions, on the other hand, vary in duration, as a rule, they are irregular, weak and do not intensify.
If training contractions are very inconvenient for you, then try to rest, change your body position, walk, take a warm bath (not hot!), drink water - until the contractions go away.
(Benefitting from Braxton Hicks Contractions
It’s not for nothing that these contractions are called training contractions. In some medical institutions, doctors recommend that women do breathing exercises during Braxton Hicks contractions: practice breathing techniques during childbirth.)
The only way that can definitely help you determine whether contractions are false or not is when your doctor examines the cervix. As we said earlier, Braxton Hicks contractions do not affect the cervix in any way. True contractions are identified when the cervix is dilated. If you have any doubts, contact your doctor and he or she can do Ultrasound of the pelvic organs and tell whether you have started labor.
What are the possible consequences of Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are not harmful and can help you prepare for labor and actual contractions. However, if you observe periodic contractions, feel unwell, experience back pain or pain in the lower abdomen, as during menstruation, it is likely that you are going into labor. Below are also indicators that labor may have begun:
- a feeling that the baby has fallen lower in the uterus - i.e. when the baby's head settles deeper in the pelvic area. This can happen either a few weeks or a couple of hours before the onset of labor.
- Increased vaginal discharge - this may be light pink or slightly bloody, this process is commonly called " the plug came off" This occurs when a thick mucus plug moves into the vagina as the cervix opens, usually any time from a few days before labor begins or just before delivery.
- You water breaks- the fluid-filled amniotic sac ruptures, and the watery fluid can either flow in a weak stream or simply pour out of the vagina. This usually occurs a few hours before or any time during labor.
Below is a list of questions to ask your doctor if you are concerned about Braxton Hicks training contractions.
- What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
- How can I tell the difference between false contractions and real contractions?
- What to do if false contractions begin?
- When are training contractions most common in pregnancy?
- Do they change as pregnancy progresses? How?
- How can I relieve symptoms if contractions are painful?
- Can you tell me more about childbirth?
- How will I know when labor has started?
Well, a few very valuable questions/answers:
Sometimes I am bothered by pain on the sides of my abdomen. Could it indicate the onset of labor?
Probably not. Sharp, shooting pain in either side of the abdomen (round ligament pain) extending into the groin may indicate that the ligaments are stretching to support the growing uterus.
To help relieve discomfort in the sides:
- change of position, movement
- fluid that should be drunk in sufficient quantity (at least 6-8 glasses of water, juice or milk per day)
- rest.
I feel bad bothering my OB/GYN because of a “false alarm.” When should you contact him?
Your OB/GYN can answer your questions at any time and help you differentiate between false and labor contractions. Don't be afraid to bother your gynecologist if you have any doubts. He may ask you a few questions to help him determine what type of contractions you are having. If you have any doubts about your condition, it is better to consult a doctor and trust his professional experience.
and a little from myself.
I sit in one position for a long time;
I go up the stairs;
getting excited;
I want something small.
Breathing and lying on your back for 5 minutes helps to relax it. and sometimes I don’t even notice how it goes.
a stabbing pain in my sides also bothers me from time to time, as does pain on the inside of my thigh at the very top, almost between my legs, my doctor said that it’s the ligaments that are being stretched. Well, let’s go wide, my dears)))) but I can’t move with such pain in any way, it can only get worse and it’s better not to touch these places. just lie down and relax. sudden movements can increase pain in the sides, and pressure can generally cause sparks from the eyes. fucking passes between the legs from walking.
This is how things are for me))) oh, how good it is that there is someone to talk to about this!
Hello, dear readers! Childbirth is an important stage in a woman’s life, for which the body prepares in advance. And the expectant mother is not always ready for such “exercises” of her body, thinking that real labor has begun. Training contractions are also called Braxton-Higgs contractions. Let's figure out how to distinguish them from real ones, how the expectant mother feels and when they happen.
What it is?
Training contractions are contractions of the uterine muscles. Unlike real ones, they do not lead to cervical dilatation and childbirth, but only prepare the body for upcoming stress. This phenomenon was first described at the end of the 19th century by the doctor John Bragston-Higgs, after whom the contractions were named.
Some women have heard about them, but do not always know exactly when such uterine contractions occur. It is important to remember how many weeks to expect this phenomenon, and not to be afraid of it.
Begins around the 20th week. At the same time, their absence does not indicate an abnormal course of pregnancy. If this phenomenon still “overtakes” you, observe how long the contractions last. As a rule, their duration is no more than a minute, and the number per day varies from 1 to 10 times.
Most expectant mothers are worried about how not to confuse real contractions with training ones and not miss premature birth, when they need to urgently go to the hospital. If the pregnancy is progressing normally, and there is no reason for concern, then most likely you are dealing with Bragston-Higgs contractions.
It is very important from what time you observe a contraction of the uterine muscles. If this happens at the end of the second - beginning of the third trimester, then the likelihood that real labor has begun is very small. If contractions are felt after the 32-34th week, then you should go to the maternity hospital and consult a doctor. It is much more difficult to distinguish the training of the body from labor during this period, so it is worth being safe.
It is important for pregnant women to know how not to confuse real contractions with training contractions. To do this, we recommend listening to your own feelings and thinking about how they correspond to the properties of Bragston-Higgs contractions:
- a feeling of tightness in the upper or lower abdomen, in the groin;
- irregularity (contractions may recur after 6 hours);
- irregularity, surprise;
- during real contractions, the pain passes through the abdomen and “goes” to the lower back, and during training contractions they are concentrated in one area;
- no severe pain, only slight discomfort;
- if real contractions intensify over time and become more frequent, then training contractions, on the contrary, gradually disappear.
The last property of training contractions is the main difference between them and regular ones. To find out what phenomenon you are dealing with, you need to wait a few hours and listen carefully to your body.
Why don’t everyone have Bragston-Higgs contractions? There are a number of factors that can trigger their appearance:
- excessive physical activity of the mother or activity of the child;
- woman's stress and anxiety;
- dehydration;
- bladder fullness;
- orgasm during sex.
Even if you or someone else simply places your hand on your stomach, this situation can also trigger uterine contractions. Of course, it is difficult to foresee all provoking factors, but some are better avoided.
For example, do not overuse soda and have bowel movements in a timely manner. If training contractions have already begun, be tolerant of them and try to benefit from them. Practice breathing as during childbirth, try to distract yourself from the pain by thinking about something good. This skill will be useful to you in the future.