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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,
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Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:
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