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Braxton Hicks Contractions – Causes and Symptoms

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, usually painless uterine contractions during pregnancy that help prepare the body for labor but do not indicate true labor.

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Things worth knowing about "Braxton Hicks Contractions"

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, usually painless uterine contractions during pregnancy that help prepare the body for labor but do not indicate true labor.

What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions -- also called practice contractions or false labor -- are irregular, typically painless tightenings of the uterus that occur during pregnancy. They are considered a normal physiological phenomenon and are not a sign of imminent labor. The term was coined after British physician John Braxton Hicks, who first described these contractions in 1872.

Braxton Hicks contractions most commonly begin in the second half of pregnancy, around week 20, and may continue until shortly before delivery. They are believed to help tone the uterine muscle and prepare it for the work of actual labor.

Causes and Triggers

The exact cause of Braxton Hicks contractions is not fully understood, but several common triggers have been identified:

Physical activity: Exercise or increased movement can trigger contractions.
Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake is one of the most frequent triggers.
Full bladder: Pressure from a full bladder can irritate the uterus.
Sexual activity: Orgasm can cause temporary uterine contractions.
Touching the abdomen: External pressure on the belly may stimulate contractions.
Fetal movement: Active baby movements can trigger a uterine response.

Symptoms and Characteristics

Braxton Hicks contractions have several features that distinguish them from true labor contractions:

They are irregular and do not follow a predictable pattern.
They are typically painless or mildly uncomfortable.
They usually last 30 to 60 seconds, occasionally up to 2 minutes.
They do not increase in intensity, duration, or frequency over time.
They often stop when the person changes position, lies down, or drinks water.
The uterus feels briefly hard to the touch, then relaxes.

Difference Between Braxton Hicks and True Labor

It is important to distinguish practice contractions from true labor contractions. True labor contractions:

occur at regular intervals that gradually become shorter,
become stronger, longer, and more frequent over time,
do not go away with position changes or hydration,
may be accompanied by a mucus plug discharge or rupture of membranes.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Medical attention should be sought promptly if any of the following occur:

Contractions become regular and painful, especially before 37 weeks of pregnancy (possible preterm labor).
There is vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge.
There is a rupture of membranes or fluid leakage.
More than 4 contractions per hour are experienced.
There is severe abdominal pain or reduced fetal movement.

Managing Braxton Hicks Contractions

The following measures may help relieve discomfort from Braxton Hicks contractions:

Changing position: Lying down or getting up, depending on the current activity.
Staying hydrated: Drinking a glass of water often helps, as dehydration is a common trigger.
Relaxation exercises: Breathing techniques and conscious muscle relaxation.
Warm bath or shower: Warmth can be soothing and may ease the contractions.

References

Braxton Hicks JB. - On the contractions of the uterus throughout pregnancy. Transactions of the Obstetrical Society of London, 1872.
Cunningham FG et al. - Williams Obstetrics, 25th edition. McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.
World Health Organization (WHO) - WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. WHO, Geneva, 2016.

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