Braxton Hicks contractions. How to identify them

Braxton Hicks contractions are not labor contractions, nor do they indicate that the time to give birth is near. These are involuntary contractions of the uterus that can occur from the first trimester of pregnancy, although at this stage of pregnancy it is difficult to notice them. Pregnant women u

Braxton Hicks contractions are not labor contractions, nor do they indicate that the time to give birth is near. These are involuntary contractions of the uterus that can occur from the first trimester of pregnancy, although at this stage of pregnancy it is difficult to notice them.

Pregnant women usually feel them towards the middle of pregnancy, although many are not able to realize these small spasms of the uterus and reach the final stretch without noticing their presence.

What are the contractions of Braxton Hicks?

John Braxton Hicks was an English physician specializing in obstetrics who first described in 1982 these involuntary contractions of the uterus. Since then they are known as Braxton Hicks contractions.

This type of spasm of the uterus has the objective to favor the accommodation of the baby in the pelvis of the pregnant woman and to help the maturation of the neck of the uterus. They do not usually last long, only between 4 and 5 seconds.

You often notice a menstrual-like pain and discomfort in the lower part of the pelvis, the front of the uterus or on the back. Unlike labor contractions, they give up when the woman changes her posture or activity or relaxes for a while.

Braxton Hicks contractions also do not increase in intensity and frequency over time. They are transient spasms and pose a nuisance of just a few seconds.

As pregnancy progresses, and especially in the third trimester, Braxton Hicks contractions can become more frequent without becoming labor contractions.

If in the final stretch of pregnancy the contractions occur more frequently and there is doubt as to whether they will be in labor, it is advisable to consult with the gynecologist or go to the hospital, especially in case of:

- Hemorrhage or vaginal bleeding.

- If you still have not reached week 37 and become too rhythmic and frequent.

- If there is a strong pressure in the pelvis and it is increasing, as if the baby's head pushed.