Braxton-Hicks contractions during pregnancy
It’s completely normal to experience Braxton-Hicks contractions during pregnancy, but what are they actually, how early can they happen, and what do you do if they are painful? We’ll unpack the most common concerns about these contractions below.
The reason people get Braxton-Hicks contractions during pregnancy is simply because the uterus – which is indeed a muscle – is practicing for childbirth. Most pregnant people experience these contractions, known as Braxton-Hicks contractions, but how many and how early they begin varies from one person to the next.
What do Braxton-Hicks contractions feel like?
When you have a contraction, it feels like your belly momentarily becomes firm and then softens. It’s like a muscle becoming very tense and then relaxing. It shouldn’t be painful, but it might feel a little uncomfortable when your belly suddenly turns into a well-inflated basketball. Braxton-Hicks contractions often happen when you’ve been physically active or very stressed, which means they usually pop up in the evening after a long day. In and of themselves, they aren’t dangerous, but if you have a lot of them, it might be the body’s way of signalling that it wants you to take it a little easier.
How early can you start getting Braxton-Hicks contractions?
Some people experience early contractions; others don’t get them until late in the pregnancy – and others don’t have any Braxton-Hicks contraction at all. In other words, what is considered normal in this area is difficult to say, but in general, if you’ve had a baby before, you might have Braxton-Hicks contractions earlier and with greater intensity than someone who is pregnant with their first baby. That’s because the uterus has done this once before and is already at the start line, so to speak. If your uterus hasn’t had a single contraction throughout pregnancy, that doesn’t mean it’s any less equipped for childbirth; it still knows what’s going on.
Braxton-Hicks contractions and rest
If you’re having a lot of Braxton-Hicks contractions, one suggestion is to take it a little easier: relax your body and mind and maybe just lie down in bed and rest a little more often. However, if you are experiencing regular Braxton-Hicks contractions that are not subsiding, despite getting plenty of rest, talk to your doctor or midwife – or if it’s later in your pregnancy, contact your clinic so that they can assess what’s going on. For example, a urinary tract infection could cause a lot of contractions and you will want to treat that to ensure it doesn’t trigger labour too early. Constipation or a sluggish digestive system might also produce more Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Braxton-Hicks or early labour pain?
Late in pregnancy, contractions tend to become more frequent; this is often referred to as early labour pain. It isn’t always easy to determine whether you are experiencing ordinary Braxton-Hicks contractions or early labour pain, but the more regular it is and the longer it lasts, the better it is to be prepared. As of pregnancy week 22, you should always contact your doctor or midwife if you are having regular contractions – they will often have you come in for an extra check.
Painful contractions
It is also good to be aware that ordinary Braxton-Hicks contractions should not be painful. If you are having painful contractions, always talk to your doctor or midwife. If you have any bleeding or thin, watery discharge during the contractions, you should seek emergency medical care. If it is after week 22, then contact the delivery ward; if it is early in the pregnancy, then contact your OB/GYN.
Please note that all information above is based on Swedish recommendations.
