Managing Braxton Hicks Contractions: Top Tips for Relief

*Braxton Hicks, or false labour, results when your uterus contracts and relaxes [1]. For most women, these types of contractions may occur from week 24 onward and are caused by the hormone oxytocin, which has been rising steadily in anticipation of birth [2].*

Braxton Hicks contractions can be commonly mistaken for real labour, however, some differences include [3]:

- Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular in duration and intensity, whilst real labour usually has regular intervals which become shorter between each contraction.

- Braxton Hicks is often described as feeling like mild to moderate menstrual cramps whereas real labour initially starts as strong menstrual-like pain, usually accompanied by lower back pain.

## When can Braxton Hicks contractions be more common?

Other than the hormonal factors at play, we are not entirely sure why some women may experience Braxton Hicks contractions whilst other women do not. However, there are some things that have been known to trigger them [1]:

- Being very active

- Having a full bladder

- Having sex

- Being dehydrated

## What can I do to alleviate Braxton Hicks Contractions?

There are several things you can do to try and reduce the discomfort caused by Braxton Hicks Contractions, such as [1]:

- Changing positions. If you have been standing try to lie down, and if you have been sitting down for a while try to go for a walk.

- Take a warm bath for 30 minutes or less

- As Braxton Hicks contractions may be caused by dehydration, drink a couple of glasses of water.

- Drink a warm cup of herbal tea or milk.

## When should I call the midwife or maternity unit?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following at any stage of your pregnancy [4]:

- If your waters break

- If you are experiencing strong contractions which are getting closer together, therefore the pain develops a regularity.

- If you have persistent pain in your tummy

- If you have vaginal bleeding

- If you are concerned about your baby's movement

- If you are feeling very unwell