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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Braxton Hicks During Pregnancy?

I'm helping a friend research Braxton Hicks vs actual contractions. She's due in 2 1/2 wks (3rd child) and has been having extreme pelvic, hip and lower back pains. She has been having Braxton Hicks contractions for weeks now, and recently these "added pains" have come along.Are there any other types of false labor, or is this just a severe BH? Should she go to her doc just to be safe?
Tue, 9 Dec 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI,
I understand your concern.
* Braxton hicks contraction s are intermittent contractions of uterine muscles.
without pain,just tightening of muscles- probably due to stimulation of muscles by fetal movements, inadequate water intake by mother/ breathing trouble/ full bladder/ constipation with gasses.
In case the contraction is associated with pain, doctor's advise is mandatory.
* In 9th month baby tries to move down & enter pelvic cavity. This needs mild painful uterine contractions & stress to uterus this causes pain in lower abdomen, back & hips.
* Calcium & Vit. D supplements help in reducing such pains./ Drinking sufficient water/ rhythmic deep breathing/sleeping in left lateral position also help.
*True Labor pains are pains in rising intensity, comming intermittently( the interval between two pains reducing )
So the pains your sister has seem to be just preparation for delivery.

* To get a through check up at this stage is justified. From mother & child health/ to have idea about the delivery ( time/ type)
Thanks.
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What Causes Braxton Hicks During Pregnancy?

HI, I understand your concern. * Braxton hicks contraction s are intermittent contractions of uterine muscles. without pain,just tightening of muscles- probably due to stimulation of muscles by fetal movements, inadequate water intake by mother/ breathing trouble/ full bladder/ constipation with gasses. In case the contraction is associated with pain, doctor s advise is mandatory. * In 9th month baby tries to move down & enter pelvic cavity. This needs mild painful uterine contractions & stress to uterus this causes pain in lower abdomen, back & hips. * Calcium & Vit. D supplements help in reducing such pains./ Drinking sufficient water/ rhythmic deep breathing/sleeping in left lateral position also help. *True Labor pains are pains in rising intensity, comming intermittently( the interval between two pains reducing ) So the pains your sister has seem to be just preparation for delivery. * To get a through check up at this stage is justified. From mother & child health/ to have idea about the delivery ( time/ type) Thanks.