Related: Irritable uterus and irritable uterus contractionsīraxton-Hicks aren’t the only cause of abdominal pain and cramping during pregnancy.
While lifestyle treatments are preferred, there are certain medications that may help ease your contractions. You may have what’s called an irritable uterus. If this method isn’t working or you’re experiencing a lot of Braxton-Hicks, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about possible treatments. Lying on your left side, which may promote better blood flow to the uterus, kidneys, and placenta.Drinking three to four glasses of water or other fluids, like milk, juice, or herbal tea.(Yeah, like you’re not doing that every hour already?) Going to the bathroom to empty your bladder.Try focusing on resting, drinking more fluids, and changing your position - even if that just means moving from the bed to the couch for a while. There is no medical treatment needed for these contractions. Quite literally - you should try to take it easy. Related: Contractions after sex: Is this normal?Īfter you’ve confirmed with your doctor that what you’re experiencing are Braxton-Hicks and not labor contractions, you can relax.
A full bladder may put pressure on your uterus, causing contractions or cramping. Your partner’s semen contains prostaglandins that may also bring about contractions. This hormone makes muscles, like the uterus, contract. Why? Your body produces oxytocin after orgasm. Sometimes strenuous exercise may just be fitting into your maternity jeans. You may notice Braxton-Hicks later on in the day after being on your feet too much or after doing strenuous exercise. Pregnant women need 10 to 12 cups of fluid each day, so get yourself a water bottle and start drinking. The contractions may help to increase blood flow to the placenta and give your baby more oxygen. Researchers say that’s because certain activities or situations may stress baby in the womb. Still, there are some triggers that seem to bring them about somewhat universally. The exact cause of Braxton-Hicks contractions isn’t known. Related: What do different types of labor contractions feel like? As a result, the contractions may stop after you rest, drink water, or change your position.Īgain, Braxton-Hicks may gradually help thin and soften the cervix, but they won’t cause dilation for the birth of your baby. They’ll be especially frequent if you’ve been on your feet a lot or are dehydrated. As you enter your third trimester and get closer to delivery, your Braxton-Hicks contractions may happen multiple times an hour for hours on end (much like the questions from strangers about when you are due). They may be infrequent at first, happening only a few times a day. That said, it’s likely you may not feel them until you reach your second or third trimester. These contractions may begin as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy. They come and go, whether weaker or stronger, without any sort of pattern. Unlike real labor contractions, Braxton-Hicks don’t get closer together. Some women describe them as feeling similar to period cramps, so if Aunt Flo does a number on you each month you know what you’re in for with Braxton-Hicks. You may not even notice some mild ones, but stronger contractions may take your breath away. What do Braxton-Hicks contractions feel like?īraxton-Hicks contractions feel like a tightening in your lower abdomen.