Braxton Hicks contractions: let's learn to recognize them

Braxton Hicks contractions, also called false contractions, are abdominal spasms that affect the belly, not particularly painful that usually occur in the last three months of pregnancy but can also be identified a few weeks earlier. The uterus contracts repeatedly without causing pain to the expectant mother. There is no dilation of the cervix. The Braxton contraction is simply the signal that your body is preparing for childbirth.

See all the differences with labor!

The discovery of Braxton's contractions

For the first time there is talk of false contractions in 1872 when an English doctor was able to identify and classify them. False contractions took their name from their discoverer, Dr. Braxton Hicks who for the first time spoke of contractions that precede labor as they were precisely preparatory to childbirth. In short, they are test contractions!

See also

Fetal movements: let's get to know them together

What are Hicks Contractions

The feeling that the expectant mother initially feels during Braxton Hicks contractions is more reminiscent of menstrual cramps than labor. Symptoms are mild: lower back pain and the particular sensation of the belly becoming hard can be recognized. Sometimes it is fetal movements, a bump or dehydration of the woman that trigger them. In other cases, the triggering cause can also be fatigue of the expectant mother or sexual stimulation. This is because the spasms are caused by the hormone oxytocin which favors the flow of blood towards the placenta. Sometimes it is precisely the movement of the baby that gets into position to prepare for delivery and get out in the right position that causes them!

How to recognize them

Unlike real contractions, these spasms last about 30 or 40 seconds and are focused in the abdomen area. They do not increase in frequency or intensity: the belly hardens and remains contracted. A few seconds pass and everything returns to normal. These false contractions can cause discomfort and discomfort but not real pain. Of course, in pregnancy, every data is subjective and often depends on the psychophysical situation of women and their pain threshold. The closer the delivery date approaches, the greater the chance of experiencing one of these contractions.

Don't be afraid they are premature contractions - most likely they are Braxton Hicks contractions. One way to recognize them quickly is to change your position. Walk if you were sitting and rest if you were walking instead. Braxton Hicks contractions resolve quickly when women change positions (unlike actual contractions!).

What to do in case of Braxton contractions

Braxton's are harmless contractions. These are single and isolated spasms that do not cause dilation of the cervix. You will therefore not feel continuous contractions but only irregular movements. They are false pains of labor and are a very frequent physiological phenomenon: you don't need to be alarmed!
To relieve the discomfort you can change your position and above all relax. You can try it with a nice massage or with your favorite hot drink, you can take a regenerating bath in warm water or any activity that can relax you, like listening to music or reading a book. It is very important to stay calm and breathe slowly and rhythmically.

Stress and fatigue can cause Braxton Hicks contractions. To reduce discomfort, rest as much as possible and dedicate yourself to pleasant and relaxing activities.

It is very important to rest and sleep properly during pregnancy!

When to call the doctor

If you also experience abdominal pain, bleeding or haemorrhages, hot flashes, tachycardia, or if you notice that these false contractions repeat too often or from the very first months of pregnancy, you should contact your gynecologist immediately. Likewise, you need to go to the hospital promptly if you realize you are having labor contractions before the 37th week, as it means you are having a premature birth.

True and false contractions

The actual contractions that identify labor are much more painful, last from 30 to 60 seconds and are regular and progressive in both time and intensity. They are not located in the abdomen but radiate up to the thighs and pubis. They are also accompanied by breaking water and sometimes blood loss.

For Hicks contractions it is important to calculate what month of pregnancy you are at. If you are before the 37th week, the contractions you feel are almost certainly those of Braxton.
If you are already over, and you have other symptoms (vaginal spotting, loss of mucous plug, very frequent urination) it could be true birth contractions.

Each pregnancy is unique and each woman is different. You may also never experience these false contractions during gestation. However, remember, this is a natural phenomenon and not a dangerous one.
If you are expecting or if you have any doubts or questions, always contact your gynecologist.