Braxton Hicks Contractions: A Complete Guide to False Alarm!

The excitement that comes with the end of the pregnancy journey knows no bounds. Are you ready to welcome your little ones, have you prepared your bags, and food, decorated your baby’s room, and you are getting contractions? Let’s calm down, perhaps it’s not a contraction you’re thinking of but it’s Braxton Hicks contractions, aka false alarm. 

Check out this complete guide on Braxton Hicks contractions before you rush to the hospital – clear all of your doubts!

What are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Since Braxton Hicks contractions feel like real labour contractions, we refer to them as “false alarm” symptoms. Additionally, Braxton Hicks contractions are similar to a dress rehearsal because your uterine muscles are getting ready for an upcoming task. Despite the fact that it can be challenging to distinguish them from actual labour contractions, keep in mind that Braxton Hicks won’t be as successful in pushing out your baby as those are.

What Causes Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions currently have no known causes, but according to health experts, the following are potential causes:

• Dehydration 
• Weight lifting
• Fetus movement
• Very-active baby
• Stress 
• Overhydrated
• The expected date is near

What are the Braxton Hicks Symptoms?

Since the symptoms of Braxton Hicks and actual labour contractions are similar, it can be difficult to tell whether a contraction is real or not. However, there are some symptoms listed below that indicate a false alarm. 

Braxton Hicks symptoms are…

• Abdominal tightening 
• Frequent duration
• Contractions during specific position
• Uncomfortable but not painful
• Feels like mild menstrual cramps
• Braxton Hicks pain lasts about 60 seconds to 90 seconds

When do Braxton Hicks Start?

The first Braxton Hicks contractions appear around week 20. Braxton Hicks contractions typically begin around 20 weeks of pregnancy, which is in the second trimester. However, many women don’t begin to experience Braxton Hicks until much later in the third trimester. They are usually present until you give birth.

How Often Braxton Hicks Come?

Braxton Hicks often arrives at night. Braxton Hicks contractions are more common at night, according to some women, possibly because expectant mothers are more relaxed and observant. You may also experience nighttime urinary incontinence, which can cause Braxton Hicks.

How Braxton Contractions Feels Like?

Braxton Hicks contractions are sometimes described by women as intermittent abdominal tightening. Many pregnant women describe them as feeling like mild menstrual cramps. However, keep in mind; Braxton Hicks contractions are unpleasant but do not cause labour or open the cervix.

Braxton contractions feel like…

• Mild menstrual cramps
• Unpredictable
• Non-rhythmic
• Abdominal/stomach tightening

Note; If you feel discomfort, keep calm braxton hicks during second & third trimester are considered normal. 

Where Do You Feel Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Where do you feel Braxton Hicks contractions the most? Braxton Hicks contractions feel a little like menstrual cramps. They are felt in the front of your abdomen, but not in your back or lower part of your uterus. It’s uncomfortable but not painful.

When to be Concerned About Braxton Hicks Contractions?

If you experience more than six contractions in 1 hr, consult your health specialist as soon as possible, Here are other following Braxton Hicks contraction concerns you should not overlook.

Concerned about Braxton Hicks contractions…

• Vaginal bleeding
• Headaches
• Light spotting
• Painful contractions 
• Reduce in fetal movement
• High fever

 Note: If you found any rare/usual symptoms and signs during pregnancy, without further delay speak to an obstetrician/gynaecologist.

How to Find the Difference Between Braxton Hicks vs Contractions?

As we gathered the information you wanted to know, we explained what Braxton Hicks is, the reasons for Braxton Hicks contractions, and how to prevent Braxton Hicks contractions, but what about Braxton Hicks vs contractions? Following are some guidelines for identifying a true labour alarm. 

Its not a False Alarm if …

• Your contractions occur every 5 minutes. 
• Each contraction is at least one minute long. 
• You’ve been having contractions for an hour.
• You’ve noticed amniotic fluid leaking.
• You have chronic back pain.
• You’re having the feeling of a baby drop

How to Deal with Braxton Hicks Pain?

Braxton Hicks contractions are a type of labour-like practice that your body goes through to get ready for the real thing. While Braxton Hicks pain is less painful than actual labour pain, there are still ways to prevent Braxton Hicks pain.

• Stay active
• Pregnancy yoga
• Breathing exercise
• Drink water & stay hydrated
• Get plenty of rest
• Reduce your stress/anxiety level

Furthermore, if you’re looking for pregnancy yoga classes or a pregnancy care program session, Divine Mother, the best women’s health care centre in Ahmedabad, has you covered!