Braxton Hicks contractions may be stimulated by the baby's movements, exercise – or even a midwife's cold hands!
Q: “I am 28 weeks pregnant. I’ve noticed that sometimes my womb gets very tight and hard. At first I thought this was due to the baby moving, but my friend told me that I am having “practice contractions”. What does this mean? Is there anything I can do to stop them?”
A: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular tightenings of the uterus (womb). Each tightening may last a couple of minutes, before the uterus relaxes. Unlike a “proper” contraction, although the uterus may feel very hard, the fundus (top of the uterus) does not lift upwards.
Braxton Hicks contractions generally start and stop spontaneously. They may also be stimulated by the baby’s movements, exercise – or even a midwife’s cold hands!
Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable – but are not usually painful enough to make you stop what you are doing. They are not “true” contractions, in that they do not start dilating (opening) the neck of the womb. They are not part of labour and do not indicate that labour is about to happen. Experts think that Braxton Hicks contractions help keep the uterus toned, and may improve the circulation to the placenta.
There’s not much you can do about Braxton Hicks contractions – except accept them as a normal and healthy part of pregnancy. But don’t forget – if you experience pain and/or you leak fluid or blood from your vagina – or feel anxious for any reason about yourself or your baby – then do contact your midwife or labour ward urgently.
Hannah Hulme Hunter, Babyworld Midwife.
Q:“I am 21 weeks pregnant and have been having Braxton Hicks contractions. This is my second pregnancy and they seem to have started a lot earlier than before. Should I be worried?”
A: No – 21 weeks is not too early for Braxton Hicks contractions. They actually start at around eight weeks, but most women don’t notice them until much later. 21 weeks is just fine!
Hannah Hulme Hunter, Babyworld Midwife.
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