braxton hicks?

Question

I know there are not real contractions but do they only "prep" the uterus as some say? do they serve a real purpose? Do they mean impending labor? I hvae 5 weeks left and have been getting a few everyday maybe 4 or so I dont want to go in early.

Answer 1

During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, you may notice episodes when your belly tightens and becomes firm to the touch, then relaxes. These are episodes of tightening (contraction) of the uterine muscles called Braxton Hicks contractions. These normal contractions may be hardly noticeable or may be strong enough to make you stop what you are doing.

Considered "practice contractions" for the uterus.
Braxton Hicks contractions can begin as early as the 20th week of pregnancy, although most often they start between the 28th and 30th week.

Braxton Hicks contractions are usually infrequent in midpregnancy. However, they can be more frequent during the ninth month, sometimes occurring as often as every 10 to 20 minutes. Braxton Hicks contractions usually occur less than 4 to 6 times per hour.

Braxton Hicks contractions:

Usually disappear during exercise or activity (unlike true labor pains, which continue or increase if you move around).
Are more noticeable during rest.
It may be difficult to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor. If there is any doubt, consult your health professional.

Answer 2

Braxton Hicks contractions final for aproximately 30 seconds to two mins and are sometimes called train contractions. You would train respiring sports to get in a position for the truly factor. If the contractions fade, don't get more potent or extra excessive, and do not need a collection time among them, then it's Braxton Hicks and you have got not anything to fear approximately.

Answer 3

Usually Braxton Hicks do NOT mean impending labor. I had them with all 3 of my pregnancies and never went early. I'd say it's a good thing that you are experiencing some though. It does mean your uterus is preparing and it's working it's muscle to get ready for labor and birth!

Relax and drink plenty of water. Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!


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Answer 4

Braxon hicks contractions are aka false contractions, but because you only have 5 weeks left your body is preparing you and your baby for the impending labor. Sometimes a warm bath or drinking more water (if caused by dehydration) can really help

Answer 5

No one knows exactly what they do. It makes sense that they are prepping your uterus, but it's just a theory. Everything means impending labor...You can't be pregnant forever. They do not mean that you will go into labor soon though. Many women have them all through their third trimester. Don't be too afraid of preterm labor at this point, if you do, then you do. The docs won't stop it. And please, for your peace of mind, remember that while we all think of full term as 40 wks, it's really anything past 37 wks.

Answer 6

In the days or weeks before labor, Braxton Hicks contractions may intermittently become rhythmic, relatively close together, and even painful, at times fooling you into thinking you're in labor. But unlike true labor, during this so-called "false labor" the contractions don't grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together.

Answer 7

I just had a baby on Jan. 15 and I got them everyday for 2 months. Sometimes I would get 6 or 7 and sometimes only 1. They really only get you ready to have your baby. Labor contractions are a little different.

Answer 8

There are like contractions they do hurt and they don't impend labor