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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:38 Causes of Braxton Hicks contractions
0:54 Braxton Hicks vs Labour Pain
2:03 Home remedies for Braxton Hicks contractions
2:28 Call your doctor if...




Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as practice contractions or false labor, are sporadic uterine contractions that may start around six weeks into a pregnancy.[1] However, they are usually felt in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.[2]
Braxton Hicks contractions are often confused for labor. Braxton Hicks contractions allow the pregnant woman's body to prepare for labor.[1] However, the presence of Braxton Hicks contractions does not mean a woman is in labor or even that labor is about to commence.[1] Another common cause of pain in pregnancy is round ligament pain. Although the exact causes of Braxton Hicks contractions are not fully understood, there are known triggers that cause Braxton Hicks contractions, such as when a pregnant woman:[1][3]

is dehydrated
has a full bladder
has just had sexual intercourse
has been exercising (running, lifting heavy objects)
is under excessive stress
has had her stomach touched

There are two thoughts for why these intermittent uterine muscle contractions may be occurring. The first is that these early “practice contractions” could be helping to prepare the body for true labor by strengthening the uterine muscle.[1] The second is that these contractions may occur when the fetus is in a state of physiological stress, in order to help provide more oxygenated blood to the fetal circulation.[1]