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Braxton Hicks are named after the doctor John Braxton Hicks who was the first person to describe the contractions also known as false labour contractions that happen during pregnancy without actually leading to the cervix dilating. They can happen as early as 6 weeks into the pregnancy, although are not often seen or felt until the later part of the second trimester. Some women are lucky enough not to notice them until the final trimester during the last few weeks of pregnancy.

It's commonly thought that Braxton Hicks do not hurt and ease off as soon as they start, however this is not always true. Braxton Hicks contractions can be just as painful as labour contractions and are often the reason for women being admitted to the labour ward as early as 30 weeks into the pregnancy.

Generally Braxton Hicks contractions feel as though the abdomen is tightening as the uterus practices for labour. Not all of the womb will tighten at the same time. Most of the time only the lower or upper part of the abdomen feels hard and 'dome like'. It is often accompanied with light cramping similar to mild period-pain or back ache.

Braxton Hicks contractions can last from as little as a few seconds to as long as five minutes and can become stronger and more frequent. However, unlike real labour contractions, Braxton Hicks do ease off eventually. This does not stop women worrying about whether they will be able to tell the difference though.

Reasons for painful Braxton Hicks vary from woman to woman. An irritable uterus can cause the contractions to feel as the woman is actually in labour. This can be down to a number of things including:

*Urinary Tract Infection

*Irritable Bowel Syndrome

*Hydronephrosis (pressure in the kidney)

*Transverse Baby (lying on it's side rather than head down or breech)

*Symphasis Pubis Dysfunction / Pelvic Girdle Pain (expansion of the hips and ligaments)

*Gestational Diabetes

*Thrush

*Dehydration

There are many ways to help ease Braxton Hicks contractions, although you may need to have stronger painkillers such as codiene, prescribed by a doctor if they become particularly painful. Try the following if they do hurt:

*Putting your feet up and relaxing

*Warm bath

*Paracetamol

*Lying on your side

*Drinking a glass of water

*Practice your breathing techniques

It is important to get painful Braxton Hicks checked out by your doctor or midwife as you may be threatening pre-term labour. Contractions accompanied with spotting, bleeding or a watery discharge are also signs of pre-term labour and should be investigated thoroughly. If pre-term labour is determined there are drugs that can be given to calm the uterus down.

Learn more about this author, Charlotte Howard.
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