Difference Between Braxton Hicks Contraction and Labor Contraction

March 2023 · 4 minute read

Braxton Hicks Contraction vs. Labor Contraction

Pregnancy has its own effects on women during its occurrence. It involves the contractions that a woman can endure during the course of pregnancy. Many women may get the wrong end of the stick on determining Braxton Hicks and labor contraction, which is which. This information about the difference between these two contractions is essential especially for expectant mothers as well as women who plan to become pregnant. This is due to the fact that it will help them determine if immediate medical attention is required for the delivery of the baby or it is just a minor event during pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks contractions may be felt even before the true labor phase. It is probable sign of pregnancy described as an irregular contraction of the uterus that is absolutely normal and may commence as early as the second trimester, though for most women it occurs at some point in the third trimester during pregnancy. On the other hand, true labor contractions are felt at some stage of the third trimester, commonly in the latter phase. Labor contractions are an evident sign of the imminent expulsion of the baby.

Braxton Hicks contraction can be expressed by the tightening of the abdomen that disappears quickly and comes abruptly. The contractions are usually painless and don’t come about at a regular interval. This type of contraction doesn’t have a close interval, relived by walking, doesn’t increase in intensity as time passes, and doesn’t feel more powerful over time. Whereas labor contractions are described as a unique feeling for each woman and may still vary from one pregnancy to another. It causes a dull ache or discomfort in the back radiating to the lower abdomen accompanied by pressure located in the pelvis. Few women report pain at their thighs and sides. The contractions are strong, and they felt sturdy like waves that felt like diarrheal cramps.

Labor contractions occur every ten minutes or more than five contractions within an hour. A Braxton Hicks contraction is just a discomfort that is irregular in nature. In labor contractions there is a repeated tightening or back pain and lower abdomen pain while the Braxton Hicks discomfort is usually felt at the upper abdomen. For labor contractions, a bloody discharge may be present or the expulsion of the membrane that covers the cervix, the operculum. For Braxton Hicks, however, there is no evident bleeding or any discharges coming from the vagina.

For Braxton Hicks, the woman doesn’t really need any intervention unless it disturbs the patient a lot because it is a normal event. It can even signify that the baby is alive and moving. The pregnant woman can take a walk, do position changes, get some rest, and a massage. On the other hand, if the pregnant woman has the signs and symptoms of true labor contractions, it is necessary to make contact with a health care provider as soon as possible or bring the pregnant woman to the nearest hospital. This is a medical emergency because the prompt management of her labor and delivery will decrease the risk that it can bring to both the mother and the baby.

Summary:

1.Braxton Hicks is a probable sign of pregnancy described as an irregular contraction of the uterus that is absolutely normal and may commence as early as the second trimester. On the other hand, true labor contractions are felt at some stage of the third trimester, commonly in the latter phase.

2.A Braxton Hicks contraction can be expressed by the tightening of the abdomen that disappears quickly and comes abruptly. Labor contractions, however, are described as a unique feeling for each woman and may still vary from one pregnancy to another.

3.The contractions are usually painless and don’t come about at a regular interval. It causes a dull ache or discomfort in the back radiating to the lower abdomen accompanied by pressure located in the pelvis.

4.Labor contractions occur every ten minutes or more than five contractions within an hour. A Braxton Hicks contraction is just a discomfort that is irregular in nature.

5.In labor contractions there is a repeated tightening or back pain and lower abdomen pain while the Braxton Hicks discomfort is usually felt at the upper abdomen.

6.For labor contractions, a bloody discharge may be present or the expulsion of the membrane that covers the cervix, the operculum. For Braxton Hicks, there is no evident bleeding or any discharges coming from the vagina.

7.For Braxton Hicks, the woman doesn’t really need any intervention unless it disturbs the patient a lot because it is a normal event. On the other hand, if the pregnant woman has the signs and symptoms of true labor contractions, it is necessary to make contact with a health care provider as soon as possible or bring the pregnant woman to the nearest hospital.


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