Practice makes perfect, even when it comes to childbirth. Braxton Hicks contractions, often called "practice contractions," may begin halfway through your pregnancy and continue until delivery. But how do you differentiate these false alarms from the real deal? Let’s break it down.
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Think of Braxton Hicks contractions as your uterus's way of warming up for labour. These contractions prepare your muscles for the intense job of childbirth but don’t actually progress labour. Unlike true labour contractions, they aren’t strong enough to dilate the cervix or push the baby out.
What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?
Braxton Hicks contractions feel like a tightening sensation that starts at the top of the uterus and moves downward. Your abdomen may feel hard and slightly contorted. While they’re generally uncomfortable, they’re not painful. As your due date approaches, these contractions may become more frequent and intense.
- First-Time Moms: You might barely notice these contractions or not feel them at all.
- Experienced Moms: They may feel more pronounced, especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy.
When Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Start?
These practice contractions can begin as early as week 20 in your second trimester, although they tend to be more noticeable in the third trimester. From around week 32 onward, Braxton Hicks may increase as your body prepares for labour.
What Causes Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Pregnancy hormones are hard at work sending signals to your uterus to prepare for childbirth. While Braxton Hicks contractions aren’t true labour, they play an essential role in toning your uterine muscles and helping your cervix get ready.
How Long Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Last?
Typically, these contractions last 15 to 30 seconds, though they can sometimes stretch up to two minutes.
What Is False Labour?
False labour mimics real labour, often catching moms-to-be off guard. These contractions, often in the form of Braxton Hicks, might feel like the start of something significant but don’t lead to active labour.
Signs of False Labour
- Contractions feel like mild to moderate menstrual cramps.
- The contractions are irregular and don’t follow a consistent pattern.
- Changing position, moving, resting, or staying hydrated can ease or stop the contractions.
True Labour vs. False Labour: How to Tell the Difference
When trying to determine whether it’s time to head to the hospital or not, focus on the frequency, intensity, and pattern of your contractions.
True Labour
- Regular Contractions: They occur at consistent intervals, growing longer, stronger, and closer together over time.
- Persistence: True labour contractions don’t ease with movement, rest, or hydration.
- Duration: Each contraction lasts between 30 and 70 seconds.
- Other Signs: Look for additional symptoms like a pink or blood-streaked discharge (bloody show), nausea, diarrhoea, or a sudden gush of amniotic fluid when your water breaks.
False Labor
- Irregular Contractions: They don’t follow a pattern and may come and go unpredictably.
- Temporary Relief: Changing positions, resting, or drinking water often reduces or stops the contractions.
- Short Duration: Contractions typically last between 15 and 30 seconds, maxing out at about two minutes.
- Location: False labour contractions are usually felt in the front of your belly, unlike true labour, which often starts in the lower back and moves to the front.
Is It Normal Not to Have Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Yes, it’s completely normal! Some women, especially first-time moms, may not notice Braxton Hicks at all. Others might feel them later in pregnancy or experience only mild tightening sensations.
Whether you have noticeable Braxton Hicks or not, it doesn’t impact your ability to deliver your baby. As long as everything is progressing well, there’s no need to worry.
Tips to Ease Braxton Hicks Contractions
If Braxton Hicks contractions are making you uncomfortable, try these strategies:
- Stay Hydrated: Even slight dehydration can trigger these contractions.
- Change Positions: If you’re sitting, try standing, or vice versa. Walking or lying down can also help.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Use this time to practice breathing and visualization exercises from your childbirth class.
When to Call Your Doctor
If you’re unsure whether your contractions are Braxton Hicks or true labour, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Call your doctor if:
- The contractions become painful or occur at regular intervals.
- You notice unusual discharge, such as bright red blood or a gush of fluid.
- You feel severe discomfort or other concerning symptoms like fever or chills.
Pre-labour can last anywhere from hours to weeks, and it’s not always easy to tell the difference between false and true labour. Your healthcare provider is there to guide you through this process. Even if it turns out to be a false alarm, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
With a bit of patience and preparation, you’ll soon hear the exciting news: “This baby is on the way!”