Braxton Hicks Contractions at 32 Weeks of Pregnancy
Yes, pregnant women commonly experience Braxton Hicks contractions at 32 weeks of gestation, and these are considered a normal physiological occurrence during pregnancy. 1
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are normal uterine activity that:
- Become more intense and frequent during the third trimester (which includes 32 weeks)
- Are irregular in their timing
- Are generally uncomfortable but not painful
- Typically subside with rest
- May increase with physical activity or dehydration
Characteristics of Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor
| Braxton Hicks | True Labor |
|---|---|
| Irregular timing | Regular intervals |
| Usually painless or mildly uncomfortable | Painful and intensifying |
| Often subside with rest or hydration | Continue despite rest |
| Do not increase in frequency | Progressive increase in frequency |
| Do not lead to cervical changes | Associated with cervical dilation |
Management of Braxton Hicks Contractions
First-line interventions that are effective include:
- Rest - changing positions (particularly lying down in the left lateral position)
- Hydration - drinking water can help reduce the frequency of contractions
- Stopping physical activity - as activity can increase their frequency and intensity 1
Physiological Effects of Braxton Hicks
Recent research has shown that Braxton Hicks contractions may have some temporary effects on fetal physiology:
- They can cause a slight increase in fetal heart rate (135 bpm vs 128 bpm in fetuses whose mothers don't perceive contractions) 2
- They may temporarily reduce long-term heart rate variability 2
- They can cause a temporary increase in resistance to blood flow in the uteroplacental circulation 3
- There may be slight decreases in fetal brain and liver T2* measurements during contractions, suggesting minor temporary changes in oxygenation 4
However, these changes are transient and not considered harmful to the fetus in normal pregnancies.
When to Seek Medical Attention
A pregnant woman should contact her healthcare provider immediately if she experiences:
- Regular and painful uterine contractions that don't subside with rest
- Contractions occurring at regular intervals (potentially indicating preterm labor)
- Pain rather than just discomfort
- Vaginal bleeding
- Rupture of membranes
- Decreased fetal movement 1
Important Considerations
- At 32 weeks, it's important not to dismiss all contractions as "just Braxton Hicks" as preterm labor is a possibility that requires medical attention 5
- The left lateral position is particularly beneficial as it improves uterine blood flow and reduces the hemodynamic impact of contractions 1
- Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks typically do not show a pattern of increasing frequency, intensity, or duration
Braxton Hicks contractions at 32 weeks are a normal preparation of the uterus for eventual labor, but monitoring their characteristics is important to distinguish them from preterm labor, which would require immediate medical intervention.