Child Birth

Braxton Hicks Contractions: Complete Guide for Pregnant Women

Learn about Braxton Hicks contractions including when they occur, what they feel like, common causes, and how to manage them. Understand false labour signs.

A-Handy-Guide-On-The-Braxton-Hicks-Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are also known as false labour because that is exactly what they feel like - going into labour. Understanding these contractions helps pregnant women distinguish between false labour and real labour contractions, reducing unnecessary alarm during pregnancy.

What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

During the second or third trimester of pregnancy, the uterus contracts randomly. These contractions of the uterine wall are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. They are not as intense as labour contractions and tend to pop up and then go away completely. Many suggest this is the uterus preparing for the labour pains to come.

When Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Occur?

They happen almost spontaneously and could spring up anytime during the third trimester, though they may also occur during the second trimester. They are more common closer to your due date. After 20 weeks into pregnancy, you should start noticing these contractions.

The signs feel like a cramping or tight squeezing below the abdomen, lasting anywhere from 30 seconds to 1-2 minutes. They occur sporadically and do not intensify over time, unlike real labour contractions which follow a frequency and keep intensifying. This is the best time to practice deep breathing relaxation techniques that come in handy during actual labour.

Feature	Braxton Hicks Contractions	Real Labour Contractions
Frequency	Sporadic, random	Regular, increasing frequency
Intensity	Do not intensify over time	Keep intensifying in pain
Duration	30 seconds to 1-2 minutes	Progressively longer
Sensation	Uncomfortable cramping or squeezing	Intense, painful contractions
Pattern	Come and go randomly	Follow a consistent pattern

What Causes Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Many everyday things can trigger a Braxton Hicks contraction. Common causes include:

Dehydration
Being on a full bladder
Sexual intercourse or activity
A distended bladder
Increased physical activity of the mother or child

How to Manage Braxton Hicks Contractions at Home

Braxton Hicks contractions are a normal part of pregnancy, so no medical treatment is required. However, these home remedies can help alleviate discomfort:

Practice deep breathing: Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth, and hold the breath for at least 10 seconds.
Distract yourself: Keep busy until the pain passes.
Change your position: Move if you have been sitting or standing too long.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
Drink warm beverages: Warm tea or milk can help soothe you.
Take a short bath: This can reduce pain and anxiety.

If these techniques do not work and you experience more than 4 contractions in one hour, contact your doctor about what to do next.

Kimberly-Clark India makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or other health professional advice.

FAQs on A handy guide on the Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are random contractions of the uterine wall during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, also known as false labour. They are not as intense as real labour contractions, tend to pop up and go away completely, and are thought to be the uterus preparing for actual labour.

Braxton Hicks contractions can start after 20 weeks into pregnancy. They happen spontaneously and are more common during the third trimester, especially closer to the due date. Some women may experience them during the second trimester as well.

Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic, random, and do not intensify over time, while real labour contractions follow a regular frequency and keep getting more painful. Braxton Hicks last 30 seconds to 1-2 minutes and come and go randomly without a consistent pattern.

Common triggers include dehydration, a full or distended bladder, sexual intercourse or activity, and increased physical activity of the mother or baby. Many women experience them in the middle of the night when the bladder tends to be full.

Practice deep breathing by inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. Distract yourself until pain passes, change your position, drink plenty of water, try warm tea or milk, or take a short bath. If you get more than 4 contractions in one hour, contact your doctor.

No, Braxton Hicks contractions are a normal part of pregnancy requiring no medical treatment. However, contact your doctor if home remedies do not work and you experience more than 4 contractions in one hour, as this could indicate actual labour beginning.