Braxton Hicks Contractions
The uterus is a muscle that before pregnancy is about the size of a pear and weighs approximately 50 grams, and during pregnancy grows to about 1 kilogram. After birth -whether it is a vaginal birth or a cesarean section- the uterus gradually contracts over the first few weeks and almost returns to its pre-pregnancy size. The uterus therefore undergoes major changes in connection with pregnancy. During birth, it is the uterine muscle that produces contractions. Both dilation contractions and pushing contractions. The body and thus the uterus is wise and knows what to do. And as with everything else in life, practice makes perfect. Therefore, the uterus practices making contractions during pregnancy. That is what Braxton Hicks contractions are.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are therefore uterine muscle contractions that make the uterus tighten and become hard. Braxton Hicks contractions are less powerful than labor contractions, and therefore cannot push the baby out of the uterus. It is completely normal to have Braxton Hicks contractions -it is the uterus practicing. Braxton Hicks contractions are uncoordinated training for the uterine muscle, as it is a muscle we have no control over.
When do Braxton Hicks contractions begin?
Many pregnant women begin to have Braxton Hicks contractions from well into the middle of the pregnancy up until birth. The number of Braxton Hicks contractions and their duration will often increase as you get closer to birth.
How do Braxton Hicks contractions feel?
Some women feel the Braxton Hicks contractions, others do not. But they are there.
It feels as if the belly (uterus) becomes hard -like a completely hard ball. If your partner feels your belly, he will also feel that it is completely hard, after which it becomes soft again. If you are heavily pregnant, Braxton Hicks contractions can take your breath away, and you may have to stop and breathe. Not because they hurt, for Braxton Hicks contractions do not hurt, but because the heavily pregnant uterus is large and takes up space, and it can feel a bit uncomfortable to move while it tightens in a Braxton Hicks contraction. Take a deep breath in and exhale when the Braxton Hicks contraction ends. In this way, you 'let go', which is also a good exercise before labor contractions.
When do you have Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions can come out of the blue. Remember it is the uterus practicing for birth. That said, Braxton Hicks contractions can also come as a prompt reaction to physical activity in you or the baby. That is completely okay. However, be aware if you, for example, get a Braxton Hicks contraction every time you lift the grocery bags, vacuum, exercise, or something else. Then it is time to slow down on that front. For Braxton Hicks contractions are, in addition to the uterus's important training, also a way for the body to communicate with you who are pregnant. Does that sound crazy?
Well, Braxton Hicks contractions can also come delayed. For example, the day after a shopping trip where you may have been on your feet for quite a while without a rest, after a birthday party where you sat down for hours and perhaps did not listen to your limits and need to go home, or if you are walking around with many worries or rumbling with difficult emotions inside.
Stress, work pressure, challenges in the relationship and family, and similar things can also cause Braxton Hicks contractions. So if you experience having many Braxton Hicks contractions that do not immediately come as a prompt reaction to movement, then I would encourage you to reflect on whether there is something weighing on your life -and then take care of it. Please ask for help from your loved ones, your midwife, or other relevant people, so you feel supported and held. That in itself can reduce the number of Braxton Hicks contractions -especially the kind of Braxton Hicks contractions that are communication from the body that something physical or mental/psychological is going on right now.
Too many/too few Braxton Hicks contractions?
You cannot have too few Braxton Hicks contractions. As written above, there are several pregnant women who do not feel their Braxton Hicks contractions at all. Conversely, you can have too many Braxton Hicks contractions. And now it gets a bit difficult: For there cannot be a clear limit for when a number of Braxton Hicks contractions is too many. We women are different, our pregnancies are different, and our bodies react differently -also to Braxton Hicks contractions. What is the catch with 'too many' Braxton Hicks contractions is that they can cause the cervix to shorten and thus in the worst case lead to premature birth. Therefore, your consultation midwife will always ask about Braxton Hicks contractions -partly to get an understanding of how many and when you have them. And so that you as a pregnant woman can get an understanding of whether the number of your Braxton Hicks contractions is completely normal, or whether your body is communicating something else. If you are in doubt about the number of your Braxton Hicks contractions, then talk to your midwife, so you do not go around worrying.
What are "Wrong" Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions must not hurt, come in a rhythmic pattern, or in a large number during the day. In that case, you should relax, cancel the day's plans, rest/sleep, and see if things calm down, as it instead of Braxton Hicks contractions can be early labor contractions. If you have a long time until your due date, it can be a sign of threatened premature birth. And that you should take seriously by contacting your midwife or the maternity ward.
Braxton Hicks contractions must therefore not hurt, come like pearls on a string, or in large daily numbers. And Braxton Hicks contractions must go away when you rest.
Can sex cause Braxton Hicks contractions?
Orgasms are good, wonderful, and nourishing both in terms of pleasure, relaxation, body awareness, and intimacy with your partner if it is not a solo orgasm. And then orgasms are like being marinated in the love and deep relaxation hormone oxytocin. What's not to like!
At the same time, it is important that you and your partner know that when you as a pregnant woman have an orgasm, it is normal for the uterine muscle to contract in one long contraction that can easily last several minutes. That is completely okay. You can possibly lie down on your side with your hands on your uterus and breathe deeply and relaxingly if you feel it is a bit intense. Possibly ask your partner to hold you and your belly. That in itself is muscle-relaxing.
Braxton Hicks contractions can be a sign of a bladder infection
Pregnant women tend to get frequent bladder infections. And often without being able to feel them. A bladder infection during pregnancy rarely hurts like when you are not pregnant. A sign of a bladder infection can be Braxton Hicks contractions. So if you suddenly have more Braxton Hicks contractions than normal, then go to the doctor and get your urine checked.
I hope you and I have become wiser about Braxton Hicks contractions. Feel free to reach out if there are any questions.
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