What do Braxton - Hicks Contractions Feel Like?
Almost every pregnant woman has heard of Braxton – Hicks contractions. But what are they? And what do Braxton - Hicks contractions feel like? And how can you tell the difference between Braxton – Hicks contractions and real labor contractions?
What are Braxton - Hicks?
In general, Braxton – Hicks feel like painless tightening of the belly. Only a portion of your belly may get hard or your entire belly may get hard. Without contractions, your belly should feel similar to the tip of your nose. With Braxton – Hicks, your belly may get as hard as your chin. With real labor contractions, your belly gets as hard as your forehead.
What do Braxton - Hicks Contractions Feel Like?
Braxton – Hicks are mild uterine contractions that many women experience in the weeks leading up to labor. Some people refer to them as practice or warm-up contractions. Some women start having Braxton – Hicks at only a few months pregnant while other women don’t notice any before they go into labor. Braxton – Hicks are preparing your uterus and your body for contractions. The uterus is the strongest muscle in a woman’s body and it needs to be in shape at the end of pregnancy so it can help push the baby through the birth canal. So the uterus does “exercises” in the weeks leading up to labor.
Do They Hurt?
Braxton - Hicks don’t usually hurt, though if you’re experiencing a lot of them, they may get uncomfortable and annoying. Some women report they feel like light menstrual cramps. Other women report they feel their skin itching, tickling, pulling or pinching a little with Braxton – Hicks contractions. They baby may also kick during these mild contractions.
How are These Different from Real Labor Contractions?
In general, real labor contractions become longer, stronger and grow closer together over time. Braxton – Hicks contractions may have a pattern, but don’t often get longer or closer together. In addition, they don’t get stronger over time. This is one of the key differences between Braxton - Hicks and real labor contractions—the strength of contractions.
I Feel Something, but are These Contractions?
If you’re not certain if your belly is tightening or if the baby is just moving around a lot, drink some water and lie down on your side. Put your hand on the top of your belly and notice any tightenings. If one minute an area is soft and the next it’s tight, you may be experiencing contractions. If you’re still confused, check in with your care provider.
Should I Call my Care Provider?
Definitely let your care provider know you’re having Braxton - Hicks contractions, especially if you’re only a few months pregnant. If you experience four to six Braxton - Hicks in an hour and you’re less than 37 weeks pregnant or at risk for pre-term labor call your care provider immediately.
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Disclaimer
The information in this article is not medical advice. This information is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure anything during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum time. Always check with your care provider before following any advice from TheOnlyBabyStop.com.