During your second or third trimester of pregnancy, you will be able to experience false labor pain or Braxton Hicks Contractions. These contractions happen because your body is preparing for the true labor that’s going to happen on the day you will give birth. However, braxton hicks is not an indication that you are going to start with true labor soon. There are also instances that Braxton Hicks contractions can also be felt as early as 2nd trimester of your pregnancy.
What You Would Feel When You Experience Braxton Hicks
This could be quite tricky and frightening for first time pregnants as they still don’t know what true labor pain could feel like so braxton hicks could make them worry that they are already about to give birth anytime soon.
When you have Braxton Hicks Contractions, you may feel pain in your lower tummy and there would be contractions that will last for a few seconds. As soon as the contraction kicks in, you will feel uncomfortable tightning in your tummy.
The Difference Between True Labor Contractions and Braxton Hicks Contractions
•TLC are gets stronger over time and comes in with regularity while BHC are unpredictable. They usually gets weaker and weaker over time would soon disappear.
•TLC has regular intervals and it gets closer and closer as time passes while BHC don’t come with time. It may just last for a short while.
•TLC starts from lower back would run through the abdominal part while BHC may just occur and can he felt in lower front of your abdomin and just stay in 1 spot. In true labor, the pain may run through your entire belly and even include your hips and lower back. The intensity of the contractions gets stronger and stronger so it could be felt much longer too.
•In TLC, each contraction may last for 30 seconds up to a minute. It has regularity and intensifies over time. In BHC, it may just last for few seconds and disappears soon.
What Happens to Your Body When You Have Braxton Hicks?
When a pregnant woman experiences Braxton Hicks Contractions, the muscle fiber of her uterus tightens and relaxes after a few seconds. It is believed that it helps in softening the cervix. However, since the purpose of Braxton Hicks Contractions is just to get the body ready for true labor, there will be no dilation of cervix during these contractions.
Since Braxton Hicks is a Normal experience for pregnant women especially on 3rd trimester, it is important to know what you can do to ease these contractions. Generally speaking, there is no cure or treatment for this, just few tips to decrease your discomfort and manage the situation. When you are actively moving around, it could trigger Braxton Hicks so take a break and lie down. If you had been in 1 position for a while, change your position. Stand up or take a walk. Dehydration could also trigger these contractions so stay hydrated.
Knowing your body and being informed on what you could experience during pregnancy is very important to set your expectations and manage your emotional and mental health much easier especially if you are a first time mom. Here is an article about what women goes through during her pregnancy to help you be informed.
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