Braxton Hicks

What is Braxton Hicks?

A Braxton Hicks contraction is defined by Taber’s Medical dictionary as an intermittent, painless contraction that may occur every 10 to 20 minutes after the first trimester of pregnancy. These contractions were first described in 1872 by British gynecologist John Braxton Hicks. Sometimes these contractions are also called prelabor contractions or Hicks sign. Not everyone will notice or experience these contractions, and some will have them frequently.

Is it painful?

While Taber’s medical dictionary may say that they are painless, pregnant women tell a different story, though most would call it uncomfortable rather than painful.

What can I do if it making me uncomfortable?

If you’re within a few weeks of your due date, try these measures:

• Change your activity or position. Sometimes walking provides relief. At other times, resting eases contractions. (True labor contractions, on the other hand, will persist and progress regardless of what you do.)

• Take a warm bath to help your body relax.

• Try drinking a couple of glasses of water, since these contractions can sometimes be brought on by dehydration.

• Try relaxation exercises or slow, deep breathing. This won’t stop the Braxton Hicks contractions, but it may help you cope with the discomfort. (Use this opportunity to practice some of the pain-management strategies you’ve learned in your childbirth preparation class.)

When should I call my doctor or midwife?

Call your caregiver right away if you haven’t reached 37 weeks and your contractions are becoming more frequent, rhythmic, or painful, or if you have any of these possible signs of preterm labor:

• Abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramping, or more than four contractions in an hour (even if they don’t hurt)

• Any vaginal bleeding or spotting

• An increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge — if it becomes watery, mucusy, or bloody (even if it’s only pink or blood-tinged)

• Increased pelvic pressure (a feeling that your baby’s pushing down)

• Low back pain, especially if it’s a new problem for you

If you’re past 37 weeks, there’s no need to call your doctor or midwife just for contractions until they last about 60 seconds each and are five minutes apart — unless your caregiver has advised you otherwise.

Source; BabyCenter & About.com

I think I had it last night and it last about 20minutes. It was so uncomfortable – perut mengeras semacam je. I usually had that mengeras lepas makan… but this is different. Nak move around pun tak selesa.

Then I chat with my husband telling him that I had this contraction; dia macam panic plak. Hehehe.
I remembered last week we chatted about emergency contact – in case anything happen to me who I should contact first, he asked me jot down all important numbers in a piece of paper and stick it… including our home address… err… yes! Our home address!

He: Eh, nanti jangan lupe tulis address sekali…
Me: Ha? Address apa? Address rumah?
He: Yelah… sedangkan waktu tak panic pun Abg bole lupe… ni pulak waktu panic… Kene tulis tu. Tampal sekali dengan list emergency contact tu.
Me: Hahahhaaa… ok ok.