Everything You Need To Know About Braxton Hicks

Braxton Hicks are practice contractions, almost like a fire drill to prepare your body for labour. It's as if your uterus is rehearsing for the main performance. Braxton Hicks are irregular, unpredictable and infrequent contractions and in most cases, they don't hurt. However, some women find them uncomfortable and on occasionally other mums-to-be describe them as strong and painful. 

• Braxton Hicks contractions help prepare your body for labour by to softening your cervix. It is also believed that they play a huge role in toning the uterine muscle and promoting the flow of blood to the placenta.
• False contractions are pattern free, they literally come at random times. They are in no way predictable, unlike labour contractions. Those things hurt like hell! If in doubt get the watch out or get in touch with your Midwife.
• Braxton Hicks contractions do not cause your cervix to dilate.
• They have often been described as period-like-pains. A whole world away from what you will experience when you go into labour - so buckle up soldier, you've got this!
• If you've been lounging and feel some irregular contractions get up and get active. Movement usually eases false labour and if the contractions don't ease over time, you may actually be labour. 
• In most cases, Braxton Hicks contractions begin earlier and become more intense with each pregnancy. On your second pregnancy, they are known to start in the second trimester. I've had four kids, they started a week after conception with my fourth. I'm kidding. They started around the twenty-week mark right up until I went into labour. Trust me, you will know the difference between the two.
• Keep hydrated to keep the Braxton Hicks contractions at bay - dehydration is known to trigger temporary uterine contractions. However, a full bladder can also activate false labour too, so don't forget to pee - regularly!
• Not that you really care when you are in the moment but did you know orgasms and the prostaglandins in semen can trigger false labour? Will it stop you?
• A bath can help alleviate and reduce Braxton Hicks contractions. So grab your favourite bath bomb, a book, light a candle and go run yourself a warm bath. You deserve it, you are creating life after all.