Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions
Classification and external resources
ICD-10	O47.
ICD-9	644.1

For the album Braxton Hicks by Jebediah see Braxton Hicks (album).

Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as false labor or practice contractions are sporadic uterine contractions that usually start around 6 weeks however are not usually felt until the second trimester or third trimester of pregnancy.^[1]

Contents 1 Symptoms 2 Cause 3 Alleviating factors 4 History 5 References

[edit] Symptoms

They should be infrequent, irregular, and involve only mild cramping.^[1]

[edit] Cause

Braxton Hicks contractions are a tightening of the uterine muscles for one to two hours and are thought to be an aid to the body in its preparation for birth. Not all expectant mothers have these contractions. They are thought to be part of the process of effacement of the cervix.

[edit] Alleviating factors

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

[edit] History

Braxton Hicks are named after the English doctor who first described them. In 1872, John Braxton Hicks investigated the later stages of pregnancy and noted that many women felt contractions without being near birth.^[2] This process was usually painless but caused women confusion as to whether or not they were going into actual labor. It has since been found that Braxton Hicks' contractions are much less noticeable during exercise, whereas real contractions are not.

[edit] References

v • d • e Pathology of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O, 630-679) Pregnancy Pregnancy with abortive outcome Ectopic pregnancy (Abdominal pregnancy, Cervical pregnancy, Ovarian pregnancy, Interstitial pregnancy) · Hydatidiform mole · Miscarriage Oedema, proteinuria and hypertensive disorders Gestational hypertension (Pre-eclampsia, Eclampsia, HELLP syndrome) · Gestational diabetes Other, predominantly related to pregnancy Digestive system Hyperemesis gravidarum · Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy · Acute fatty liver of pregnancy · Hepatitis E Integumentary system/ dermatoses of pregnancy PUPPP · Gestational pemphigoid Impetigo herpetiformis · Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy · Linea nigra · Prurigo gestationis · Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy · Striae gravidarum Nervous system Chorea gravidarum Blood Gestational thrombocytopenia · Pregnancy-induced hypercoagulability Maternal care related to the fetus and amniotic cavity amniotic fluid (Polyhydramnios, Oligohydramnios) · chorion/amnion (Chorioamnionitis, Chorionic hematoma, Premature rupture of membranes, Amniotic band syndrome, Monoamniotic twins) · placenta (Placenta praevia, Placental abruption, Monochorionic twins, Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, Circumvallate placenta) · Braxton Hicks contractions · Hemorrhage (Antepartum) Labor Preterm birth · Postmature birth · Cephalopelvic disproportion · Dystocia (Shoulder dystocia) · Fetal distress · Vasa praevia · Uterine rupture · Hemorrhage (Postpartum) · placenta (Placenta accreta) · Umbilical cord prolapse · Amniotic fluid embolism Puerperal Puerperal fever · Peripartum cardiomyopathy · Postpartum thyroiditis · Puerperal mastitis · Breastfeeding difficulties (Agalactia, Galactorrhea) · Postpartum depression · Diastasis symphysis pubis Other Maternal death M: OBS phys/devp mthr/fetu/infc, epon proc, drug(2A/G2C)