False labor pain | Braxton Hicks contractions.

False labor pain| Braxton Hicks contractions.

false labor or Braxton hicks contraction

If you are pregnant and going through the third trimester you might have noticed several times infrequent, irregular, and involve only mild cramping. This intermittent uterine contraction usually occurs every 10 to 20 minutes and it is also known as false labor or Braxton hicks contraction.

These irregular uterine contractions are perfectly normal and might start to occur from your fourth month of pregnancy.

How does false labor or Braxton hicks contraction feel like?

false labor or Braxton hicks contraction feel like do not occurs regularly and these contractions can be described as tightening in the abdomen that comes and goes.

How to differentiate between true labor pain and "false" labor pains or Braxton Hicks contractions?

Usually, real labor contractions feel like a pain or the pressure that starts in the back and moves to the front of your lower abdomen. Unlike the ebb and flow of Braxton Hicks, true labor contractions feel steadily more intense over time. During true labor contractions, your belly will tighten and feel very hard. Some moms-to-be liken these contractions to menstrual cramps.

Real labor vary from women to women but there are something which is common among them

• are noticeably, and increasingly and stays longer
• are more regular
• are more frequent
• are painful
• increase in intensity.

Braxton hicks contraction also vary from women to woman but the common thing they are as follows,

• vary in length and strength
• happen infrequently, are unpredictable and non-rhythmic
• are more uncomfortable than painful
• do not increase in frequency, duration or intensity
• lessen and then disappear, only to reappear at some time in the future.

Nearer to the end of your pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions may form more of a pattern and increase in frequency and intensity. Lots of women often mistake Braxton Hicks contractions for the start of labor. But, unlike labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions do not cause the cervix to open (dilate).

When do Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor starts?

false labor or Braxton hicks contraction

False pregnancy or Braxton Hicks contractions can begin any time it is usually noticed after the onset of week 20 of pregnancy in the second trimester and they are more noticeable in the third trimester of pregnancy. They'll increase through week 32 all the way until real labor starts. The symptoms of false pregnancy vary from person to person.  Once you get closer to your estimated due date, they will become more frequent or intense, this pain and contraction will persist for a long duration of time, this time you feel symptoms like real labor pain.

NOTE: Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor are not noticed in every woman.

When to consult a doctor?

• In the case of vaginal bleeding
• continuous leaking of fluid or wetness
• If your contractions are increasing in intensity and frequency and you notice more than four in an hour, you may be in true labor.
• If you feel these pain near about the time of 38weeks or 39 weeks (pregnancy weeks closer to the due date of pregnancy) you must consult a doctor because it can be the risk of preterm labor.

Remedy for Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor?

There is no fixed treatment or labor for Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor but there are some ways by which Braxton Hicks contractions can be treated.

• Taking rest if you were doing any hard work.
• Practicing yoga if you were inactive or not doing any physical work for long hours.
• Always try to rehydrate (always drink some amount of water hourly).
• Have warm bath
• Take massage
• Take quick nap in a very comfortable position
• Go for urination if you feel like your bladder is full.

 Factors that affects Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor.

• Dehydration can make muscle spasm, bringing on a contraction, and is thought to be a factor in extended Braxton Hicks contractions. Adequate hydration can alleviate Braxton Hicks contractions.
• Rhythmic breathing may alleviate the discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions.
• Lying down on the left side can help ease the pain of contractions.
• A slight change in movement sometimes makes the contractions disappear.
• A full bladder can sometimes trigger Braxton Hicks, so urination may end the contractions.