The period between week 13 and week 28 is the second trimester of pregnancy. Though the mother slowly comes out of the regular nauseous feeling, the second trimester brings other physical changes that may vary from person to person. One such physical symptom is contractions. A contraction occurs when the uterine muscles tighten up like a clenched fist and relax. These false contractions occurring before true labor are called Braxton Hicks contractions.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor pains are prevalent from the 6th week of gestation but are not felt until the second trimester. These contractions are a part of a normal pregnancy helping the body rehearse for childbirth. They are mostly mild, with slight tightness in the abdomen. Braxton Hicks contractions are not painful but might make the mother uncomfortable. These contractions are infrequent and irregular in intensity and usually last about 15 to 30 seconds, but in some cases, they can also last till two minutes.
When does it happen?
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Braxton Hicks contractions mostly appear at the end of the day. Although the exact set of causes of these contractions is not yet known, it is understood that these are caused when the uterine muscle fibers contract and relax. However, circumstances like dehydration, extreme physical activity, an active baby, and a full bladder can be considered trigger points for these contractions. Though Braxton Hicks contractions are observed in all pregnancies, each woman experiences them differently. It is believed that Braxton Hicks contractions play a role in toning the uterine muscle in preparation for the birth process, due to which they are also referred to as “practice for labor.” The irregular contraction of the uterine muscle is also believed to play an important role in promoting blood flow up to the chorionic plate on the fetal side of the placenta and entering the fetal circulation.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Though there are no medical tests to diagnose Braxton Hicks contractions, assessing a pregnant woman about her contractions and evaluating that might help in the diagnosis of the contractions. A few good practices that can ease the un-comfortability faced during the contractions are-
- Changing and adjusting body position
- Reducing activity level
- Drink water. Dehydration can trigger these contractions
- Relaxing and sleeping
- Taking a warm bath
However, one should seek medical help if,
- There is bleeding or fluid leaking from the vagina.
- There are regular contractions lasting from 30 to 90 seconds. This could be a real labor, whether the pregnant woman is near her due date or not.
Conclusion
Braxton Hicks contractions are common in all pregnancies. They start appearing in the second trimester and intensify in the third. Although they are not very difficult to deal with, they often seek care and need necessary evaluation. With the right education, it isnโt needful to raise an emergency every time a pregnant women sense a contraction. However, serious conditions should always be taken care of by professionals.
An insight from mamahood
If you are in your second trimester and have started to experience mild uterine contracts, there is nothing to be worried about as they are Braxton Hicks contractions and a very normal occurrence in the second trimester of pregnancy. Small interventions like changing body position and taking rest can help ease the discomfort. Although it is advised to seek medical help in case of bleeding or fluid discharge from the vagina and in case of regular contractions lasting 30-90 seconds, as it can be an indication of early labor.
