SYMPTOMS

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

They typically occur in the mid-to-late stages of pregnancy. Expectant mothers often feel their abdomen tighten and become hard to the touch, like a firm drum, but this sensation disappears after a few seconds. They may experience this 3-4 times within an hour before it subsides on its own. These contractions are called "false" because they do not cause cervical dilation and are not a sign of labor.
Additionally, Braxton Hicks contractions occur more frequently in women who have had previous pregnancies. When they happen, expectant mothers often feel a downward pressure in the abdomen, struggle to straighten their back, and notice the contractions are irregular, non-cyclical, and painless. They last briefly and are limited to the lower uterus, becoming more frequent as labor approaches.

What’s the difference between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions?

True labor contractions gradually intensify over time, with shorter intervals between them and increasing pain.
In contrast, Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular in timing and intensity, painless, and most importantly, they do not cause cervical dilation.

TREATMENT

How to relieve/alleviate false labor contractions?

• Changing positions may help relieve false labor contractions. Relax your mind, take deep breaths to ease abdominal tension, and maintain a calm mood. You can lie on your left side.

• Get plenty of rest, avoid stimulating the abdomen, and refrain from actions that increase abdominal pressure, such as sneezing, coughing, constipation, or lifting heavy objects.

• Eat more high-fiber vegetables and fruits in your diet to prevent constipation.

DIAGNOSIS

Under what circumstances should you go to the hospital for false labor contractions?

If contractions occur 8 times per hour, it is considered relatively frequent. If accompanied by abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, you should go to the hospital promptly for a doctor to determine the nature of the contractions and prevent preterm labor.
If contractions are not very frequent and there is no abdominal pain or other abnormalities, simply resting is sufficient. Do not take any medication on your own to avoid harming the fetus.

POTENTIAL DISEASES

What are the possible causes of false labor contractions?

In the weeks before delivery, the uterine muscles become more sensitive. The lower segment of the uterus is stimulated by the descent of the fetal head, making irregular uterine contractions more likely to occur. False contractions can happen at any time, especially when maintaining one position for an extended period.