What are Braxton Hick’s Contractions?: Home Based Treatment for False Labor

During the 2^nd trimester of your pregnancy, sometimes earlier, you may feel the muscles of the uterus contracting. These contractions may last for up to 1 minute. John Braxton Hicks, an English doctor first described these contractions in 1872.

Distinguishing Braxton Hicks from True Labor

Understanding Braxton Hicks Contraction: False Labor

Braxton Hicks contractions are random, sporadic contractions of the uterus that commence in the 6^th week of pregnancy, even though you may not notice them that early on. You will probably them sometime during the 2^nd trimester / mid-pregnancy. Some women do not experience Braxton Hicks at all. As the pregnancy progresses, these contractions come on oftener, but remain irregular, infrequent and painless. Conversely, sometimes, it is difficult to differentiate Braxton Hicks contractions from pre-term labor.

Braxton Hick’s or Real Contractions:Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Hurt?

By and large, Braxton Hicks tend to be irregular, infrequent and essentially painless; nonetheless, they may be painful in some cases.
Labor contractions are distinctly longer, regular, frequent and painful compared to Braxton Hicks. What’s more, labor pains increase in frequency, duration and intensity, whilst Braxton Hicks are non-rhythmic and irregular. Braxton Hicks contractions decrease in intensity and stop when you change positions.

As the pregnancy advances, Braxton Hicks contractions become intense and somewhat painful at times. At times, they may feel like labor pains. Yet, the contractions will be irregular in frequency, intensity and duration, and tend to diminish and vanish after some time.

What Causes Braxton Hicks Contractions?: What Do Braxton Hicks Feel Like?



Fetal Movements trigger Braxton Hicks Contractions



Braxton Hicks contractions are usually triggered by:

•  Exertion and physical activity
• Muscle stiffness or tiredness
• Sexual intercourse
• Touching your abdomen
• Dehydration due to diarrhea
• Movement of the baby

Braxton Hicks are illustrated as a tightening in the abdomen; the contractions usually come and go. Characteristically, they are irregular, random and not painful. They tend to taper off in some time and disappear altogether.

How to Manage Braxton Hicks Contraction Pain?: Home Based Treatment to Manage Braxton Hicks Contraction

The following guidelines will help you manage Braxton Hicks contractions:

• Change your position. Sometimes walking will proffer relief; whilst at other times, resting relieves the contractions.
• A warm bath helps your body to relax and calm down. Warm Bath causes vasocontriction which in turn helps relive symptoms of false labor.
• Drink 2 to 3 glasses of water, occasionally, the contractions may be triggered by dehydration.
• Practice deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques; they will calm you and help deal with the contractions.

Home Remedies for False Labor: Braxton Hicks Contraction Natural Treatment

Here are some simple home based and natural treatment for the management of false labor pain or Braxton Hicks Contractions,

• Add a teaspoon of Cinnamon to a glass of warm milk. This home remedy is considered to be very useful in the management of false labor.
• Deep fry a few cumin seeds and pour them into a glass of water. Filter the concoction and drink it after cooling it. This is an efficient treatment for the management of Braxton Hicks contractions.  
• Regular consumption of drumsticks in your diet can also alleviate the pain associated with false labor contractions. 
• Homeopathic remedies like Sepia and Pulsatilla are also useful in the management of false labor pain or Braxton Hicks contractions.  

Preacuations for False Labor: Seeing your Doctor for Braxton Hicks Contraction

You need to call your health care provider immediately in case you have not reached 37 weeks and the contractions are becoming rhythmic, frequent and painful, or if you notice any of the following:

• Cramps and abdominal pain, more than 4 contractions in an hour
• Vaginal bleeding
• Increase in vaginal discharge
• A sensation that the baby is pushing down
• Lower back pain