Braxton Hicks

Popularly called as false labor pains, it was named after John Braxton Hicks, a British doctor, who first studied contractions during pregnancy in detail. Although Braxton Hicks is common in all pregnancies, a normal pregnancy can proceed without the pregnant women experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions at all.

When during pregnancy does Braxton Hicks occur?

Braxton Hicks contractions begin as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy, though it is felt by a pregnant mother mostly in the second and third trimesters. Studies suggest that the onset of experiencing Braxton Hicks happens by the third trimester in a first pregnancy and it may be around 20 weeks or earlier in subsequent pregnancies. As pregnancy progresses, Braxton Hicks get stronger and frequent that towards the late third trimester it is usually mistaken for true labor.

What causes Braxton Hicks?

Braxton Hicks occurs when there are alternate contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscle fibers. It remains unknown what exactly causes Braxton Hicks. However, a few random triggers known to kick-start Braxton Hicks are:

• A full bladder
• Sexual intercourse
• Dehydration
• Intense activity

What does Braxton Hicks feel like?

When Braxton Hicks happen, women feel the muscles around the lower abdomen or uterus tighten and relax, similar to menstrual cramps. It begins in one area and does not spread to adjacent areas. It is usually not painful though it can be uncomfortable.

In a column titled, Perinatal lessons from the past, Professor Peter M Dunn quotes the following words of John Braxton Hicks on this phenomenon:

It was a source of difficulty to the older obstetricians to explain how that, at a certain time, namely, at the full period of pregnancy, the uterus, passive up till then, began all at once to acquire a new power, that of contracting; forgetful that, long before the full period had arrived, the uterus has the power to expel the foetus, and under mental excitement or local stimulation, attempted to do so frequently. But after many years constant observation, I have ascertained it to be a fact that the uterus possesses the power and habit of spontaneously contracting and relaxing from a very early period of pregnancy, as early, indeed, as it is possible to recognise the divergence of consistencethat is, from about the third month ...

How does Braxton Hicks help labor and pregnancy?

Braxton Hicks is believed to prepare the body for labor, even though it by itself is not a sign of true labor beginning. Acting as practice for labor, it tones the muscles of the uterus in preparation of birthing. Also, Braxton Hicks may play a role in cervical softening but do not cause cervical dilation. In studying the triggers of Braxton Hicks contractions, the possibility of the triggers causing fetal distress has been noted. As a result, Braxton Hicks promotes blood flow to the placenta and thus, increases the supply of oxygen-rich nutrients in the fetal circulation.

How to differentiate Braxton Hicks contractions from true labor contractions?

Braxton Hicks towards the end of pregnancy may often confuse a pregnant woman if true labor has begun. Here are the marked differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and real labor contractions: