Braxton Hicks or Preterm Labor

Hello ...It was about this time seven years ago, that I started experiencing pre-term contractions.  I drove from the office right to the doctor's office.  I was hooked up to a monitor and although the patterns of the contractions were irregular, I was told that everything looked ok and it was probably Braxton hicks.  So things went on as planned and we got ready for Christmas and drove from Greenville, SC to Philadelphia, PA for the holidays.  I continued having the same pains, but being a 1st time mother, I went along with the diagnosis and celebrated Christmas with my family.  Honestly, I didn't even know what Braxton Hicks contractions were, so tonight I thought I dedicate my blog with information about Braxton Hicks.  I wish someone would have told me this.... If something doesn't feel right, don't  dismiss it. Only you know your own body. I convinced myself that I had Braxton Hicks and everything was fine. I was wrong. Listen to your heart, if something doesn't feel right, then something isn't right. Be your own advocate for you and your baby.

Information found on American Pregnancy.org

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions can begin as early as the second trimester. However they are most commonly experienced in the third trimester. When this happens, the muscles of the uterus tighten for approximately 30 to 60 seconds and sometimes as long as two minutes. Braxton Hicks are also called “practice contractions” because they are a preparation for the real event and allow the opportunity to practice the breathing exercises taught in childbirth classes.

Braxton Hicks are described as:

• Irregular in intensity
• Infrequent
• Unpredictable
• Non-rhythmic
• More uncomfortable than painful (although for some women Braxton Hicks can feel painful)
• They do not increase in intensity, or frequency
• They taper off and then disappear altogether

If your contractions are easing up in any way, they are most likely Braxton Hicks.

What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?

There are possible causes of these contractions. Some physicians and midwives believe that they play a part in toning the uterine muscle and promoting the flow of blood to the placenta. They are not thought to have a role in dilating the cervix, but might have some impact on the softening of the cervix. However, as Braxton Hicks contractions intensify nearer the time of delivery, the contractions are often referred to as false labor. When this occurs, it can help the dilation and effacement process.

What triggers Braxton Hicks contractions?

The following are triggers of Braxton Hicks:

• When mother or the baby are very active
• If someone touches the mother’s belly
• When the bladder is full
• After sex
• Dehydration

What can I do to alleviate Braxton Hicks contractions?

• Change positions. You can lie down if you have been standing or go for a walk if you have been sitting or laying.
• Take a warm bath for 30 minutes or less

• Because contractions may be brought on by dehydration, drink a couple of glasses of water.
• Drink a warm cup of herbal tea or milk

If none of these steps work, you should contact your health care provider.

Donate to the March of Dimes

The March of Dimes will send you a 2014 calendar, when you make a donation of $25 or more. It is 12 months of the cutest babies anywhere. This limited edition calendar will remind you every day of your generosity and steadfast commitment to fund research to find the causes and preventions for prematurity. In your community and across the country, the March of Dimes is helping moms take charge of their health and supporting families when something goes wrong.

Here is the  Link to March of Dimes Website

Joseph Nicholas

10 Common Causes for Preterm Births

While this list does provide many of the common causes for premature births, it is important to remember that everyone is different and and every pregnancy is different.  Remember that only your doctor can evaluate your own individual situation and determine the correct prognosis for your pregnancy and your baby.

1. Previous Premature Deliveries - One of the most important risks for a premature birth is if you have already had a premature baby.  The probability is that you have between a 20% and 40% chance of having another premature delivery.
2. Previous Second Trimester Abortion - Women who have had an abortion in their 2nd trimester have a higher risk for preterm births because the surgical procedure requires a wide dilation of the cervix, which can damage the cervix and lead to cervical incompetence.  Having one 1st trimester abortion doesn't increase your risk; however, having several 1st trimester abortions may increase your risk.
3. Pregnancies within 6 months of each other - Becoming pregnant less than six months after a previous delivery may cause a premature birth because your body may not have had enough time to fully recover.
4. Malformations of the Uterus - Having problems with your uterus, such as fibroids or a uterus with an abnormal shape.
5. Cervical incompetence  - A woman's cervix can open too early in the pregnancy, which may cause a premature delivery.  There is a simple surgical procedure called a cerclage, which can be done during your pregnancy.  This can help keep the cervix closed until the baby is full term.
6. Multiple Gestation - Twins have a 25% to 50% chance of being born before term, and that rate rises with each additional fetus.
7. Smoking - Cigarette Smoking reduces blood flow to the placenta and oxygen to the fetus, which causes poor fetal growth, preterm rupture of membranes and premature births.
8. Low maternal weight  - Women who weigh less than 100 pounds at the beginning of their pregnancy or who do not gain enough weight during their pregnancy have an increased risk of having a premature baby.
9. Little or no Prenatal Care - Women who do not receive prenatal care are more likely to deliver prematurely. Prenatal care is important to the health of the mother as well as the baby.
10. High Blood Pressure- This can be an isolated problem; however it can lead to preeclampsia during pregnancy, which often necessitates a premature delivery.