How to relieve Braxton Hicks contractions?

Managing Braxton Hicks Contractions

To relieve Braxton Hicks contractions, rest and hydration are the most effective first-line interventions, as these contractions typically subside with rest and are often exacerbated by dehydration. 1

Understanding Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are normal uterine activity that:

• Occur especially in the third trimester
• Become more intense or frequent with physical activity
• Are irregular in their timing
• Are generally uncomfortable but not painful
• Subside with rest (unlike true preterm labor)

Relief Strategies

First-Line Interventions:

1. Rest

   • Change positions - if standing, sit or lie down
   • If experiencing contractions during physical activity, stop and rest
   • The lateral position can help reduce the hemodynamic impact of contractions

2. Hydration

   • Increase fluid intake, preferably water
   • Intravenous hydration has been shown to be effective in reducing contractions in 55% of cases 2
   • Dehydration is a common trigger for Braxton Hicks contractions

Additional Relief Measures:

1. Relaxation Techniques

   • Deep, diaphragmatic breathing
   • Progressive muscle relaxation
   • Sensory grounding techniques (focusing on environmental details, textures)

2. Position Changes

   • Left lateral position is particularly beneficial as it:
     • Reduces aortocaval compression
     • Improves uterine blood flow
     • Attenuates the hemodynamic impact of contractions

3. Warm Bath or Shower

   • Can help relax tense muscles and reduce contraction frequency

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Regular and painful uterine contractions that don't subside with rest
• Contractions occurring at regular intervals (every 10 minutes or less)
• Pain rather than just discomfort
• Vaginal bleeding
• Rupture of membranes (water breaking)
• Decreased fetal movement

Important Considerations

• Braxton Hicks contractions can temporarily increase resistance to blood flow in the uteroplacental circulation 3, but this is normal and transient
• These contractions may be associated with slight changes in fetal heart rate parameters, including higher baseline heart rate and lower long-term variability 4
• Maternal physical activity can increase the intensity and frequency of Braxton Hicks contractions 1
• While these contractions are normal, persistent, regular, and painful contractions warrant medical evaluation to rule out preterm labor

Caution

• Avoid prolonged standing or physical exertion if it triggers frequent Braxton Hicks contractions
• Don't ignore a significant increase in frequency, duration, or intensity of contractions
• Remember that Braxton Hicks contractions should not be painful - pain suggests possible true labor

By implementing these strategies, most women can effectively manage Braxton Hicks contractions and distinguish them from true labor contractions that require medical attention.