Brax attacks, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, are false labor pains that can occur during pregnancy. They are named after the English doctor John Braxton Hicks who first described them in 1872. These contractions are a normal part of pregnancy and are not a sign of real labor. They are often irregular and do not increase in intensity or frequency over time, which differentiates them from true labor contractions.
Braxton Hicks contractions are typically experienced in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. They are the body’s way of preparing for the actual labor, but they do not indicate that labor has begun or is imminent. These contractions can be uncomfortable but are usually not painful. They tend to be infrequent, irregular, and often stop when a pregnant woman changes position or activity.
The exact cause of Braxton Hicks contractions is not entirely understood, but they may be triggered by physical activity, a full bladder, dehydration, or even the baby’s movements. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks do not cause the cervix to dilate and are not a sign that the baby is ready to be born.
To distinguish Braxton Hicks from true labor contractions, women are often advised to monitor their contractions’ frequency, duration, and intensity. True labor contractions will become more regular, closer together, and stronger over time, and they do not subside with changes in activity or position.
If a pregnant woman is unsure whether she is experiencing Braxton Hicks or true labor contractions, she should contact her healthcare provider for guidance. It is especially important to seek medical advice if the contractions are accompanied by any signs of labor, such as a bloody show, rupture of membranes, or consistent lower back pain, particularly if they occur before 37 weeks of pregnancy, as this could indicate preterm labor.
