Braxton Hicks contractions had me running back and forth to and from the hospital. I was a first time mama and pregnancy was all new to me and my hubby. I was in my third trimester and the first time that I felt a Braxton Hicks contraction I thought it was the real deal, you know labor contractions.
I wished I had gone to a prenatal class so I would have known the difference between real labor contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions. I was so clueless, I’m pretty sure the nurses at the hospital knew I was a first time pregnant mama,of how many times I went to only find them sending me back home,lol.
If you’re in your second and third trimester, you will most likely experience Braxton Hicks contractions. They do occur more frequently during the third trimester, but some pregnant mamas may not experience them at all.
Braxton Hicks contractions: What are they and how do they feel like?
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What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
In easier and better terms, they are “practice” contractions that will prepare you and your body for the real labor contractions. Basically the muscles of your uterus start tightening and cramping and usually lasts around 30 second and at most 60 seconds.
What causes these types of contractions?
Some of these things can cause Braxton hicks contractions but are not limited to only these things:
- Being active (exercising, walking for long periods of time, baby is active)
- Sex (after having sex you may notice Braxton Hicks contractions)
- Dehydration
- Full bladder (make sure you don’t wait too long to go to the bathroom)
What do they feel like?
Even though with my first pregnancy, I thought I was experiencing the real deal labor contractions. I was so wrong! These do not compare!
- Feel uncomfortable but not painful at all
- They come and go
- Less frequently and not in rhythm
- Tighten of the abdominal feeling
What can you do to relief it?
- Try changing positions ( if you’re laying down when it started, try walking; if you’re active then try resting)
- Stay hydrated and drink that water up mama
- Practice your breathing techniques you learned at your prenatal class!
- Lay down and relax ( Try laying down on your pregnancy pillow for the ultimate comfort)
When should you call your doctor?
- Braxton hicks contractions become more painful and frequent
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- You notice a decrease in your baby’s movements
To avoid false labor confusion like I did, I gathered these helpful tips for you! Braxton Hicks contractions are in a way similar to real labor contraction, so I totally understand you! Just know that Braxton Hicks contractions are not painful and are not frequent or last long.
Try changing position and relaxing if you happen to experience them, also what better way cue than Braxton Hicks contractions to start preparing these last minute things before baby arrives.
I hope you found these tips helpful in knowing what Braxton Hicks contraction are and what they feel like!
