Braxton Hicks Contractions

Yay! Woke up this morning having some Braxton Hicks contractions together with a feeling of being constipated and also hungry. Wondering what am I really feeling?

I have read pregnancy forums especially that from Babycenter that some women really delivers earlier than their due dates. So feelings like this, specially that I'm closer on my due date and that I'm not really comfortable compared with the past few days, I am wondering if it's preterm labor or if it's just simply another Braxton Hicks contractions.

To help ease my mind, again I visited Mr. Google :) and here's what I've read from the The Bump website in which I find very helpful:

Braxton Hicks contractions are your body's way of practicing and preparing for labor. You’ll feel tightening in your uterus that’s irregular, infrequent and unpredictable. These contractions won’t increase in intensity the way the contractions of labor do. They’re also likely to go away if you change positions.

Braxton Hicks contractions are most common in the third trimester. They’re just a normal part of pregnancy. The tightness you feel in your uterus during a Braxton Hicks contraction comes from the tensing of the muscles in your uterus. Being really active, a full bladder, sex and dehydration can all trigger Braxton Hicks contractions.

How will Braxton Hicks contractions affect my baby?

As long as they don’t turn into preterm labor, they won’t affect your baby. In fact, some medical professionals say these contractions are toning up your uterus and promoting the flow of blood to your placenta, so think of it as nourishing your baby.

What’s the best way to treat Braxton Hicks contractions? 

Although Braxton Hicks contractions cause more annoyance than pain, drinking water or taking a walk or a warm bath should relieve any discomfort. Mild Braxton Hicks contractions are very common and nothing to worry about, but call your doctor if you're in the first eight months and feel four or more contractions in an hour -- that might be a sign of preterm labor.

What can I do to prevent Braxton Hicks contractions?

Other than staying well-hydrated and not overdoing it activity-wise, there’s not much. Just be on the lookout for signs of preterm labor and you’ll be totally fine.

What do other pregnant moms do when they have Braxton Hicks contractions? 

“I’ve been getting Braxton Hicks this pregnancy. It will feel like part of your uterus is hard to the touch, like it’s frozen. They don’t hurt, but are uncomfortable. I try to move around or stretch through it. It also helps to lie on your side and relax, and make sure to stay hydrated to keep them to a minimum.”

“I’ve been getting Braxton Hicks a lot. Last night, every time I stood up, I got one. I just drink water and lie on my left side to calm them, and that works well.”

“I had Braxton Hicks with DD. I would be sitting and suddenly feel out of breath or unable to breathe. I would have to switch positions, and then I’d feel better. This was because of my uterus hardening and making my lungs work harder.”


Data Source: The Bump
http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-problems/articles/braxton-hicks-contractions.aspx