Generality
Braxton Hicks contractions are pain-like abdominal spasms that appear in the last months of pregnancy. During this phenomenon, the fibers of the muscular tissues of the uterus contract repeatedly, but they do not cause severe pain and do not induce any dilation.
Contractions of Braxton Hicks appear spontaneously in order to prepare the uterus for childbirth; more easily, then, these arise as a reaction to fetal movements, shocks, sexual stimulation, excessive dehydration or insufficient rest.
Knowing the existence of this symptom is important for the pregnant woman, as it allows her to avoid alarms or unnecessary worries. Despite the fact that Braxton Hicks contractions increase in frequency and intensity in the last trimester (especially when labor is imminent). they are harmless.
What are
The contractions of Braxton Hicks are isolated and non-rhythmic spasms of the uterine muscles, which cause a sensation of grip in the abdomen. These "false pains of labor" can be felt as early as the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy and represent a completely physiological phenomenon.
Braxton Hicks contractions are part of a preparatory phase, very useful before giving birth, which can sometimes last a few days.
Unlike the "real" contractions that occur during labor, Braxton Hicks' contractions are not painful, do not modify the cervix and are not continuous, but irregular.
Note
- Braxton Hicks contractions are named after the English doctor who first identified them in 1872.
- These spasms are not real contractions, but occur in the preparatory phase for childbirth, in the last trimester of pregnancy.
- Braxton Hicks contractions should be understood as "exercises" of the body preparing for labor.
- During pregnancy, not all women experience this manifestation.
Causes
Braxton Hicks contractions are "false" labor pains that prepare the uterus for labor and delivery. These spasms are induced by the hormone oxytocin to strengthen the uterine muscles and promote blood flow to the placenta. For this reason, Braxton Hicks contractions are considered an aid to the body in preparing for the birth of the baby, so much so that they are often also called "test contractions." It may happen that this phenomenon also occurs due to the bladder being too full. , after sexual intercourse or due to "excessive dehydration.
Unlike pre-delivery labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions do not cause the cervix to shorten and dilate.
Women who experience these contractions need not worry, except in cases where there is the simultaneous appearance of severe abdominal pain, bleeding, continuous loss of fluids or hemorrhages. In this case, expectant mothers should immediately contact their doctor or gynecologist.
Symptoms and complications
Braxton Hicks contractions are spasms of the uterine muscles, noticeable from the second trimester of pregnancy, which become more frequent during the third trimester.
Braxton Hicks contractions last about 30 seconds, during which the belly becomes hard and remains contracted for a few seconds; then, everything goes back to normal. These spasms appear at irregular intervals and, generally, are not close together (in some cases, however, they can also occur at intervals of 5-10 minutes) and can stop suddenly. In any case, the painful sensation is almost of the all absent: Braxton Hicks contractions are more like the discomfort or discomfort caused by menstrual cramps.
However, it should be noted that each pregnancy has its own peculiarities, so there are women who never experience these symptoms.
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