Braxton-Hicks contractions are commonly known as false labor pain. Unlike true labor pain which is a sign of real contraction(tanda bersalin semakin hampir), false labor pain is the contraction of the uterus but it does not lead to pregnancy. It usually occurs during the third trimester but a person can start experiencing the contractions as early as the second trimester. Although the difference between Braxton-Hicks contractions and true labor contractions is definite and clear, many women often mistake Braxton-Hicks contractions as true labor. So how do you differentiate between the two contractions?
Difference Between True and False Contractions
Braxton-Hicks contractions are not usually painful and can be described as mild menstrual cramps or tightening around the abdomen. The intensity of the contractions remains the same and it is more of a discomfort around the abdomen only. Unlike the true labor contractions, Braxton-Hicks contractions do not increase in strength, frequency and duration. It is unpredictable and non-rhythmic as it only occurs about 30 seconds to 2 minutes and doesn’t have any real patterns. It might come more often the closer to the due date.
While true labor contractions can occur between 30 seconds or less and will gradually increase frequency, intensity, duration and finally will recur every minute and last from one to two minutes. True labor contractions can also be characterized by being painful, regular contractions, can’t be relieved by analgesics and accompanied with cervical dilatation. The uterine contractions during labor are intermittent with periods of relaxation in between. The period of relaxation is to avoid fetal hypoxia, temporarily relieve pain and avoid muscle fatigue during labor. With established labor, there will be 3 contractions every 10 minutes and each last 50-60 seconds. Sites of discomfort during true labor occur around the abdomen and the back.
There are some other clues that might indicate you’re having true labor such as “the show” which is the cervical mucus tinged with blood expelled from the vagina or you might experience fluid leaking from the vagina.
It can be understood that Braxton-Hicks contractions is a process to prepare the uterine muscle for birth and the intermittent contractions promote blood flow to the placenta. Also Braxton-Hicks contractions do not cause cervical dilatation.
Causes of Braxton-Hicks Contraction
The exact cause of Braxton-Hicks contractions are unknown but there are known circumstances that can trigger the contractions such as when the pregnant mother is very active, when she has a full bladder, after sexual activity and even when dehydrated. It is known that all these triggers can stress the fetus and Braxton-Hicks contractions allow the flow of oxygen-rich blood to enter the fetal circulation.
Treatment of Braxton-Hicks Contraction
As it is a weak contraction, there are no medical treatments for these false labor contractions. But there are actions that can be done to decrease the contractions and ease the discomfort such as:
- Changing positions by lying down or going for a walk
- Relax by taking nap or listening to music
- Drink enough water and stay hydrated
Braxton-Hicks contractions usually occur from time to time and can be lessened by doing the actions mentioned above. It should be alarming when the contractions start coming regularly and becoming more intense, it is likely true labor contractions. It should also be noted to visit the doctor if any of these symptoms occur:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Leaking fluid from the vagina
- Strong contractions of every five minutes for an hour
- Painful contractions
- Changes in baby’s movement such as less 10 movements every 2 hours
Teaching pregnant mothers about Braxton-Hicks contractions are crucial as it may help to understand and identify between true labor contractions and false labor contractions as there are no tests to diagnose Braxton-Hicks contractions. Assessing the pregnant woman’s abdomen by palpation can be done to evaluate the presence of Braxton-hicks contraction. Being informative about false labor contraction can also decrease anxiety if it occurs.
