HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can Braxton Hicks Contractions With Cramping And Pain Be Treated?

I am currently 37 weeks pregnant and have been having what i am told is braxton hicks contractions for the past 2 weeks nonstop. they are mostly in my back but have migrated to my abdomen. i am also getting menstraul like cramping nad severe pelvic pressure and loosing so much sleep over this because of the pain. I have talked to my doctor but all he will do is prescribe me loritab and says i am fine but i am at the point i just cant take it anymore, the constant pain and i get a contraction every 15 minutes to an hour. I have also been dialated at a 4, and effaced at 37% for a week now. I have also noticed the last month or so my blood pressure has been significantly low for someone my age, but her heartbeat is fine. is this normal?? I am 20 years old, and this is my first baby and i was in perfect health before this.
Tue, 23 Jun 2015
Report Abuse
OBGYN,  's  Response
Very intelligent query indeed.
1. Braxton Hick's Contractions are restricted only to the uterus. Labour pains start from the low back ache and radiate to the uterus.
2. Braxton Hick's Contractions are not progressive. Labour pains are progressive.
3. If you press on the uterus gently with the finger, during Braxton Hick's Contractions, you can indent the uterus, not so during labour pains.
4. There is no blood stained mucoid discharge during Braxton Hick's Contractions while it is seen when the true labour pains start.
5. During Braxton Hick's Contractions, there is no dilatation of the mouth of the uterus (cervix) while during labour pains, the dilatation starts and is progressive.
In fact low grade uterine contractions are Braxton Hick's Contractions which ultimately end up into labour pains. Braxton Hick's Contractions are present throughout the pregnancy.
I will not advice you to take any pain killer for subsiding pain of Braxton Hick's Contractions. Tolerate them.
If this is your first pregnancy, your cervix is 4 cms dilated and you are getting intolerable pains, these pains have to be labour pains. Please do not take pain killers. You may ask for an enema. If these are true labour pains, they will increase. If they are false pains, they will subside.
I am sure you got the proper guidance.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Braxton hicks contractions


Loading Online Doctors....
How Can Braxton Hicks Contractions With Cramping And Pain Be Treated?

Very intelligent query indeed. 1. Braxton Hick s Contractions are restricted only to the uterus. Labour pains start from the low back ache and radiate to the uterus. 2. Braxton Hick s Contractions are not progressive. Labour pains are progressive. 3. If you press on the uterus gently with the finger, during Braxton Hick s Contractions, you can indent the uterus, not so during labour pains. 4. There is no blood stained mucoid discharge during Braxton Hick s Contractions while it is seen when the true labour pains start. 5. During Braxton Hick s Contractions, there is no dilatation of the mouth of the uterus (cervix) while during labour pains, the dilatation starts and is progressive. In fact low grade uterine contractions are Braxton Hick s Contractions which ultimately end up into labour pains. Braxton Hick s Contractions are present throughout the pregnancy. I will not advice you to take any pain killer for subsiding pain of Braxton Hick s Contractions. Tolerate them. If this is your first pregnancy, your cervix is 4 cms dilated and you are getting intolerable pains, these pains have to be labour pains. Please do not take pain killers. You may ask for an enema. If these are true labour pains, they will increase. If they are false pains, they will subside. I am sure you got the proper guidance.