Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are painless sporadic uterine contractions that start about 6 weeks into your pregnancy, although you won’t be able to feel them that early. They get their name from John Braxton Hicks, an English doctor who first described them in 1872.

Who gets them?

Braxton Hicks contractions are normal in all pregnancies, but you probably won’t start to notice them until sometime after mid-pregnancy, and some women don’t notice them at all.

As your pregnancy progresses, Braxton Hicks contractions tend to come somewhat more often, but until you get to your last few weeks, they’ll probably remain infrequent, irregular, and essentially painless.

When should I call the doctor?

In some cases Braxton Hicks contractions are hard to distinguish from early signs of pre-term labour. Don’t try to make the diagnosis yourself. If you haven’t hit 37 weeks yet and you’re having more than four contractions in an hour, or you have any other signs of preterm labour, play it safe and call your doctor immediately.

The difference between Braxton Hicks and true labour contractions

In the days or weeks before labour, Braxton Hicks contractions may become rhythmic, relatively close together, and even painful, possibly fooling you into thinking you’re in labour. But unlike true labour, during this so-called false labour the contractions don’t grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together.

Pre-labour contractions

By the time you’re within a couple of weeks of your due date, your cervix has likely begun to gradually soften up in preparation for labour. Your contractions may intensify and come more frequently, and they may cause some discomfort. Unlike the earlier painless and sporadic Braxton Hicks contractions, which caused no obvious cervical changes, these contractions may help your cervix thin out and maybe even dilate a little. This period is sometimes referred to as pre-labour.

When Braxton Hicks contractions become uncomfortable

If you’re still within a few weeks of your due date, try these measures:

  • Take a warm bath, it will help your body relax
  • Drink a glass or two of water, sometime these contractions can be brought on by dehydration.
  • Change your position or activity. Sometimes resting eases contractions, at other times walking can help to provide relief. True labour contractions, on the other hand, will persist and progress regardless of what you do.
  • Use this opportunity to practice relaxation exercises or slow, deep breathing. This won’t stop the Braxton Hicks contractions, but it may help you cope with the discomfort.

Signs to watch out for

Call your doctor right away if you haven’t reached 37 weeks and your contractions are becoming more frequent, rhythmic, or painful, or if you have any of these possible signs of preterm labour:

  • Abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramping, or more than four contractions in one hour (even if they don’t hurt)
  • Any vaginal bleeding or spotting, or an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge — if it becomes watery, with mucus, pink or blood-tinged
  • More pressure in the pelvic area -a feeling that your baby’s pushing down
  • Low back pain, especially dull or rhythmic pain, especially if you didn’t previously have back pain

If you’re past 37 weeks, there’s no need to call your doctor or midwife just for contractions until they last about 60 seconds each and are five minutes apart and continue like this for an hour.

Sources:

Locally Healthy,

Baby Centre

What are the normal symptoms of pregnancy?

For expectant moms, pregnancy is generally a roller-coaster of hormones and emotions, ranging from excitement and anticipation to fear of the unknown. The good news is, it’s natural and entirely normal to feel this way – so take a deep breath and enjoy the journey to parenthood. If you’re a first time mom, then this is where you need to be. We spoke to Dr Russell Thomson, one of our resident doctors at Hello Doctor about common symptoms and what to expect in each trimester. Dr. Thomson suggests scheduling a visit with your doctor as soon as you suspect that you might be pregnant in order to ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy. Remember, each woman is different and each pregnancy is different so try not to constantly compare yourself to other pregnant women. The only thing you need to focus on is staying healthy and making sure your baby gets the nutrients it needs for healthy development.

So, what are the early pregnancy symptoms?

  • A missed menstrual period (often the very first sign a woman notices)
  • An upset stomach, nausea and vomiting
  • Feeling excessively tired and fatigued (and no amount of sleep seems to help)
  • Craving certain foods that you wouldn’t normally eat
  • Racing off to the toilet more often, especially at night
  • Tender and swollen breasts
  • Implantation bleeding – this happens when the embryo attaches to the uterus during the third or fourth week after your last menstrual period. It’s often mistaken as a normal period.

What Happens Week by Week?

A full term pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks from the start of your last normal menstrual period. These 40 weeks are grouped into three trimesters. Let’s take a look at each of them.

First trimester – Week 1 – 12

The first trimester is arguably the most important, and the hormonal changes going on inside you affect almost every organ system in your body. Hey, no one said growing a baby was easy! Most pregnancy symptoms are experienced in the first trimester, and it’s during this period that you’ll generally feel your worst – nauseous, tired and moody. The good news is, these horrible symptoms do pass, and most women start feeling much better once they hit their second trimester. PHEW! Find out more about what to expect during the first trimester of your pregnancy.

Second trimester – Week 13 – 28

With the first trimester out of the way, most women start feeling more like themselves again, especially when the worst of the symptoms have eased up. However, now that most of the early symptoms are gone, it’s time to start coming to terms with your changing body. In the second trimester, your abdomen starts expanding as your baby grows. What’s most exciting about this period is that before your second trimester ends you’ll feel your baby move for the first time. Find out more about what to expect during the second trimester of your pregnancy

Third trimester – Week 29 – 40

By the third trimester you’re in the final stretch, however, sometimes symptoms experienced in the second trimester continue, plus the third trimester comes with its own challenges (unfortunately.) The most common complaints that pregnant women speak about during this period, is that they struggle to breathe normally and they have to go to the toilet more often. This is entirely normal though, and it’s due to the fact that your baby is getting bigger and putting more pressure on your organs. Find out more about what to expect during the third trimester of your pregnancy

Find out what to expect during labour

Giving birth is one of the most natural processes a woman can go through, and yet many women are nervous about it and don’t know what to expect. The pain, the possible complications – they’re all valid concerns. The truth is, the more you know about the labour process, and the more prepared you are when the time comes, the better it is for you and your baby.  Find out what to expect during labour.