If you're pregnant, especially in the last few months, do you suddenly feel a tightening in your stomach, a little pain? At that time, don't you feel a little scared? "Mom, is this baby coming?" Don't you think? But don't be afraid. Not every tightening in your stomach, every pain you feel during pregnancy is a sign that the baby is coming. Some of these are just training exercises that prepare your body for the big day.
What are Braxton Hicks?
Simply put, these are what we call Braxton Hicks contractions . In Sinhala, they are like "false contractions." They are like practice exercises that prepare your body, that is, the muscles of the uterus, for real contractions and childbirth. The fact that they are coming does not mean that the baby is coming right away, nor does it mean that labor has begun.
These can usually be felt from the second or third trimester of pregnancy. These are normal and there is no need to worry too much about them.
How do these Braxton Hicks feel?
Many mothers describe this as a feeling of tightness in one part of their stomach that goes away after a while. Some even say it's like a mild stomach ache during your period. These are a little uncomfortable, but they don't cause your cervix to open or the process of giving birth to a baby to begin.
Why do these Braxton Hicks come?
There are several reasons for these false rumors.
- Dehydration: In most cases, the main cause is a decrease in the amount of water in the body.
- Your activities: These can occur if you walk, stand, lift heavy objects, or even after having sex.
- Baby's movements: These contractions can also occur when the baby moves around in the womb.
- Full bladder: These contractions can occur when your uterus is stimulated even when you have a bladder fullness.
- An illness that causes vomiting or nausea.
Braxton Hicks? True or False? Let's know the difference.
The biggest question many people have is how to tell if this is a false pregnancy or a real pregnancy. Ask yourself these questions. Then you can get a better idea.
The most important thing is, if you have any doubts about this, talk to your doctor immediately. Never guess.
To easily understand these changes, see the table below.
| Characteristic | False contractions (Braxton Hicks) | True Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Time pattern (Pattern) | There is no specific pattern. The times and intervals change. They don't get closer and closer. | The pain comes at regular intervals (e.g. every 10 minutes). Over time, the pain comes and goes, and the intervals become less and less frequent . |
| Strength | Usually weak. It doesn't get worse over time. It may start out strong and then subside. | The pain is gradually getting stronger and more intense. |
| Changing Position | The pain stops when you change your position, walk, or rest for a while. | The pain doesn't stop even after changing positions, walking, or resting. It keeps coming. |
| Location of Pain | Most of the time, the tightness or discomfort is felt only in the front part of the abdomen. | It often starts in the lower back and moves to the abdomen, or starts in the abdomen and moves to the back. |
| Other Signs | There are usually no other symptoms. | Symptoms may include the loss of the "mucus plug", a bloody discharge from the vagina, or the water breaking . |
Other stomach aches during pregnancy
In addition to Braxton Hicks, there are several other possible causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
UTIs are more common during pregnancy. This is because the growing uterus presses on the bladder, blocking the flow of urine. Lower abdominal pain can be a sign of a UTI. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney infections and preterm labor . So if you suspect you have a UTI, tell your doctor right away .
Constipation and Gas
During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone slows down the digestive system. This can cause constipation and bloating. This can cause stomach pain. This is not dangerous. However, if you have constipation for several weeks, talk to your doctor. Do not take any laxatives ( laxatives ) without your doctor's approval.
Placental Abruption
This is a serious, emergency condition . This is when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the baby is born. This can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients, and you may bleed heavily. Vaginal bleeding, sudden severe abdominal or back pain, and other symptoms may be signs of this condition. Immediate hospitalization is essential.
Round Ligament Pain
This is a sharp pain that occurs on both sides of the abdomen as the uterus grows, as the ligaments that hold the uterus in place stretch. This pain can occur when you stand up, roll over in bed, or cough. It goes away in a few seconds.
When should you seek medical advice?
If you have any doubts about what you are feeling, it is best to talk to your doctor or midwife. However, if you have any of the symptoms below , see a doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- Any type of vaginal bleeding .
- The water bag breaks (it can come out like a lot of water at once, or it can come out little by little).
- A strong pain that lasts for an hour, occurring every 5 minutes .
- The pain is so severe that you can't even walk .
- A noticeable decrease in baby's movements (stirring) (e.g., less than 10 movements in 2 hours).
- Symptoms of true miscarriage appear before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Relief from Braxton Hicks cramps
Although these don't need to be treated, there are some simple things you can do to reduce discomfort:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Change your posture. Go for a walk.
- If you've been working for a long time, take a break. Go to sleep.
- Take a bath in lukewarm water. Listen to a song you like.
- Get a light massage.
Take-Home Message
- Braxton Hicks are normal "training" contractions during pregnancy. They prepare your body for labor.
- These false contractions do not have a specific pattern, nor do they get worse over time. They go away when you change positions or rest.
- The true love grows stronger, the gap between the two decreases, and the poses never stop changing.
- If you have any concerns about the pain you are feeling, or if you have any warning signs such as bleeding or water breaking, call your doctor without delay.
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