Braxton Hicks Contraction Research Paper

Introduction
Contractions of the uterus can occur throughout pregnancy. Contractions are not always a sign that you are in labor. Contractions that occur before labor are called Braxton Hicks contractions, or false labor. These contractions are sometimes confused with true labor.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are contractions of the uterus that occur before labor. Toward the end of pregnancy (32–34 weeks), Braxton Hicks contractions can develop more often and may become more forceful. This is not true labor because the contractions do not result in opening (dilatation) and thinning of the cervix. Braxton Hicks contractions are sometimes difficult to tell apart from true labor because they can be just as forceful,
Dehydration may cause these contractions.
Do slow and deep breathing several times an hour.
Keep all follow-up prenatal visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
You have a fever.
You have continuous abdominal pain.
Get help right away if:
Your contractions become stronger, more regular, and closer together.
You have fluid leaking or gushing from your vagina.
You pass blood-tinged mucus (bloody show).
You have vaginal bleeding.
You have low back pain that you never had before.
You feel your baby’s head pushing down and causing pelvic pressure.
Your baby is not moving as much as it used to.
Summary
Contractions that occur before labor are called Braxton Hicks contractions, or false labor.
If there are no prenatal problems or other health problems associated with the pregnancy, it is completely safe to be sent home with false labor and await the onset of true labor.
Braxton Hicks contractions do not usually become progressively stronger, regular, and closer together as with true labor.
Your health care provider may use an exam to determine true labor. If you are in labor, the exam will show that the cervix is dilating and getting