Braxton Hicks is a condition that is characterized by contractions which is typically associated with labor. When a pregnant woman is about to give birth, the uterus expands and the phenomenon is known as contractions. Braxton Hicks is a medical name given to the same contractions when they occur when a pregnant woman is not heading for labor. In other words, Braxton Hicks is known as false labor contractions. That is primarily because the woman is nowhere near her labor stage and the contractions are not indicative that the baby is ready to be delivered. The only difference between real contractions and false contractions or Braxton Hicks is that the latter is milder in intensity and pain than the former.
What Are Braxton Hicks?
Braxton Hicks contractions are so named because of Dr. John Braxton Hicks who first noticed and established such a phenomenon in women. The exact cause or causes of Braxton Hicks is not known. There are many medical opinions which often are contrary to each other. There is some consensus in the medical fraternity which says that the uterus gradually expands, the cervix relaxes over time and these two actions in the body cause the false contractions.
There is a realistic theory that says the body needs to get toned and practiced before the ultimate moment of labor and Braxton Hicks contractions are a way for the female anatomy to prepare for the actual push that a woman has to exert when the baby is to be delivered.
When Do Braxton Hicks Happen?
Braxton Hicks can occur throughout the pregnancy. Some women report them to get severe as they get closer to labor. Some women report experiencing them, even when they are four months away from time of delivery. The reality is that Braxton Hicks can occur at any stage of pregnancy right from the first trimester. Since the baby develops over time, the contractions become more obvious as pregnancy advances. In the seventh or eighth month, the Braxton Hicks contractions are most noticeable and right before going into labor and when the water breaks, the false contractions become the most obvious.
Braxton Hicks contractions can occur when a woman is being overly active or is overly idle. Staying in the same position, walking up or down the stairs, moving around and even getting up or down the bus can abruptly initiate the false contractions. There is no rule to identify what exactly causes them but changing one’s posture or moving around, calming down and remaining stress free are key to manage the false contractions.
