In this article:
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Braxton Hicks Contractions bring in false labour contractions, especially during the final stages of your pregnancy. They usually begin in the second or third trimester, and you can feel mild menstrual cramps. This type of contraction is quite mysterious to understand at first, yet learning more about it will help ease the discomfort at the earliest.Tips On Easing Braxton Hicks Contractions
The first thing that you must do and follow after experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions is to schedule a visit with your healthcare professional. They are professionally equipped and have valuable experience in helping you if you are suffering from Braxton hicks contractions during pregnancy days. Once they have confirmed the contractions, you can follow the relaxation and resting techniques below, under their guidance.- Make a move: Start with gentle exercises. Sitting idly in a place can induce these contractions. Short walks can certainly ease the contraction discomfort.
- Indulge in relaxation methods: Practice relaxation methods like meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga. These methods can reduce the frequency of contractions.
- Take your bathroom breaks: A full bladder can cause contractions. Be regular with your bathroom breaks so you don't feel pain or discomfort later in the day.
- Heat compression: Take a warm bath or apply a warm cloth to your abdomen. Applying warmth can alleviate the discomfort you have been experiencing with these contractions. Heat compression massage can also relax your body.
- Hydration is the key: Dehydration experienced during any part of your pregnancy days can lead to Braxton Hicks contractions. Make sure to drink more water and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Rest: Ensuring you have sufficient rest is key. Fatigue can only end up increasing the discomforts of Braxton Hicks contractions. Get enough sleep during any part of your day. You can take occasional naps to keep your mind and body rested and relaxed.
- Posture change: If contractions happen randomly, try changing your seating posture. Either sit in a different position, stand for a few minutes, or take a short walk to get quick relief.
- Practice pelvic tilts: Try moving your pelvis forward and backwards gently. This action instantly relieves the contraction discomfort. You can even apply a heating pad or warm compress to relax the pelvic muscles.
- Indulge in your favourite activities: Always indulge in activities that calm your mind. It can be eating your favourite snack, reading a book you have longed to finish, or more. These activities can shift your focus and ease your discomfort.
Following the above-mentioned lifestyle changes can reduce Braxton Hicks's contractions. However, if you have been continuously experiencing contractions, then do not hesitate to consult with your healthcare professional.
You may have an irritable uterus, which is causing these contractions. In this case, your healthcare professional will suggest other lifestyle changes and medications to help ease the discomfort.
Braxton Hicks Contractions: How Does It Feel Like?
Although Braxton Hicks contractions can mimic labour pain, certain major differences can help identify the nature of discomfort you are going through in your pregnancy days. The notable differences are mentioned below.This type of contraction,
- Does not dilate your cervix while the real labour pain does.
- They are mostly irregular, while labour pain turns persistent, especially during the final stages of your pregnancy.
- Does not last more than thirty seconds, but labour pain can last up to one minute or more.
- It can go away when you change your seating position or perform mild exercises, whereas labour pain remains stronger if you walk or move.
- Causes painless discomfort, while true labour pain can be painful.
- It can be felt in your frontal abdominal area, whereas true labour pain can be experienced in the abdomen, lower back, and even the thighs.
All these instances during your pregnancy can confuse you with real labour pains. To avoid confusion, it is recommended that you schedule a visit with your healthcare professional to better understand the differences.
The Right Time To Book Your Doctor Visit for Braxton Hicks Contractions
If Braxton Hicks Contractions are experienced despite following the relaxing techniques as suggested by your doctor, then you must schedule another visit with them. Following are some of the occurence that you must not take lightly, especially while facing Braxton Hicks Contractions.- Vaginal fluid leakage
- Vaginal bleeding
- Contractions affecting you from taking a short walk
- Strong contractions felt for five minutes or more or multiple times daily.
- Changes felt in your foetal movement.
Braxton Hicks Contractions are quite common to experience in your pregnancy journey. Try timing their occurrences, and write down the contraction time and when it ends. This type of detailing can help you and your doctor identify the false labour signs in a short time.
If you’re uncertain whether you’re experiencing false labour or true labour, it’s always best to consult your doctor.. Schedule an immediate visit to your healthcare expert to understand the differences between them and true labour. Lifestyle changes, management actions, and diet changes they suggested can help you ease the situation as soon as possible.
FAQs
- How do you control Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Some actions that help in relieving Braxton Hicks's contractionsinclude performing mild activities or changing your seating position. If you have been active longer, try resting down or going for a short walk. Getting a massage, a warm and soothing bath, reading a book, or taking a quick nap can also help. - What is the best posture to be in when having Braxton Hicks?
Follow a forward-leaning posture whenever you experience Braxton Hicks Contractions. This particular posture helps your baby to remain in its optimal position. Always choose to follow the posture recommendations from your healthcare expert.
