Braxton Hick Contractions is faced by a pregnant woman during the early or middle phase of her pregnancy. You may feel a contraction in your uterus for 30 to 60 seconds. Most women feel these painless contractions at random. This symptom of pregnancy has derived its name from John Braxton Hicks, a English doctor. He was the one to describe these symptoms in the year 1872. According to doctors, contractions are very normal to the body. It prepares the expectant mother for the delivery. A pregnant woman experiences these contractions in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Prior to that, these contractions are painless and irregular. If the expectant mother has not yet reached the 37th week of pregnancy and is experiencing more than four contractions per hour, then call your health care provider immediately. When you are just couple of weeks away from your due date, Braxton Hick Contractions become more frequent and severe. It causes discomfort for the pregnant woman.
Difference between Braxton Hick Contractions and real labor contractions:
As you near your delivery date, you tend to feel Braxton Hicks contractions regularly. People often can not distinguish between real labor contractions and the Braxton Hick contractions. Unlike the real labor pain, these contractions do not grow intense. Real labor pain is frequent and strong. On the other hand, Braxton Hick Contractions are non-rhythmic and unpredictable.
Measures to take if Braxton Hicks contractions are making you uncomfortable:
Majority of the women find that they are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions even when they are taking part in light physical activity. If you feel very uncomfortable then you can lie down or take rest for a while. Changing your position also helps to relieve the pain.
On the other hand, real labor will continue to intensify regardless the measures you take to ease the pain. To relax your body, you can take a warm bath. Braxton Hick Contractions sometimes happen due to dehydration. Drinking a couple of glasses of water can ease out your pain. You can also practice different light exercises to relieve your pain. The contractions may not stop, but it can offer you comfort.
When to call your doctor?
If you have not reached your 37th week of pregnancy, and is facing Braxton Hick Contractions frequently, then it is advisable to call your caregiver.
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It is also recommended to call your doctor if the contractions are associated with lower back pain. Moreover, if your contractions are accompanied by bloody or watery vaginal discharge, call your physician immediately.
For further information about Early Signs refer to our website Pregnancyxl.com
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