In: Anatomy and Physiology
The Braxton Hicks contractions are contractions of the uterine muscles in a pregnant woman long before the actual labor contraction and pain sets in.This is also called false labor pains .This usually occurs around the 2nd to 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.
These are the contractions of the uterine muscles .These contractions are a normal way by which the body of a pregnant women prepares by itself for the true labor contractions and this contractions also increase the fetal circulation.The Braxton hicks contractions are irregular,unrhythmic and has a varied intensity.They are not painful as like the true labor pains but can cause an uncomfortable feeling for the pregnant lady.They comes and goes often and does not develop to true pains.
The main causes of the Braxton hicks contraction is the dehydration of the mother. The sudden movements of the mother and the foetus an also stimulate these contractions. Generally Estrogen has a small role in this contractions by inducing the connexin proteins.