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Braxton-Hicks contraction; painless false uterine contraction; prodromal labor
Physiology:
- tightening of the uterine muscles for 1-2 minutes
- may occur in preparation for birth
Clinical manifestations:
- sporadic uterine contractions that sometimes start at 6 weeks of gestation
- generally not felt until 2nd trimester or 3rd trimester
- painless or mild cramping
- often infrequent & irregular
Management:
- adequate hydration
- dehydration may exacerbate
- maneuvers to alleviate discomfort
- rhythmic breathing
- lying on left side
- slight change in movement
- urination (emptying bladder)
- a full bladder can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions
General
uterine contraction
References
- Wikipedia: Braxton Hicks contractions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braxton_Hicks_contractions