Wednesday 1 August 2012

What are Braxton Hicks?



:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:


It’s five o clock in the morning, it hasn’t even been three hours since I fell asleep and why am I awake? Braxton Hicks, yes that’s why.  Even though this is my second pregnancy until half an hour ago I had no idea to what Braxton Hicks were! Just knew what they felt like but why they occur, are they serious, I didn’t have a clue. So, I decided to investigate (I know that’s an overstatement, but I’m really in the mood for some theatrics this morning, aren’t you?), and I’ve found the answers I was looking for.

However, I sat wondering how many other pregnant lovelies are out there, clueless to why they might get these strange feelings/sensations in their bodies just like the way I was? During my last pregnancy no one as in midwife/GP explained what they were and this time round I wasn’t going to wait to find out something that I believe should be explained to a pregnant women anyway. So, here I am doing my own little research which I’m sharing with you in the hope that its somewhat of help.

What are Braxton Hicks?
Braxton Hicks are muscle contractions in your uterus. Usually they start around the 28th week of your pregnancy but may start earlier or later. The muscles in your uterus contract for half a minute then release, this usually happens once or twice an hour, a few times a day in an irregular pattern. It’s said that Braxton Hicks are a way of the uterus preparing itself for labour and in earlier stages Braxton hick are what keep the fibres in the uterus toned. Some specialists/experts call them “practice contractions” or “false contractions”. 

What do Braxton Hicks feel like?
For some pregnant women, Braxton Hicks feel like a tightening across their tummies where some relate the feeling to menstrual cramps and some pregnant women don’t feel them at all! They are usually painless and some women even enjoy the tightening sensation. However, they van become slightly painful towards the end of your pregnancy especially when the baby’s head is moving down in to position.

What can be done to cope with Braxton Hicks?
If the Braxton Hicks become very painful, it usually means you’re doing too much and sometimes even light activity can bring them on. Normally more rest, less movement, hot baths can sort out any discomfort. But, if in any case you doubt them to be the real contractions, they're too painful or come with any other symptoms such as spotting/bleeding etc. then contact your GP or Midwife immediately.

Also for more detailed information please speak to your GP/Midwife about Braxton Hicks.

Did you find the information helpful? I hope you did and as usual if you would like some further reading material on the topic at hand then have a peep at the following links:



So, that’s all for now,


:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

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