BRAXTON WHAT-WHAT?

Q I started having stomach cramps at 28 weeks of pregnancy, and it got so bad that I went to the doctor. She said it was only Braxton Hicks and that I should go home. I went home and got them again. This time, I timed them and found that they were two minutes apart. I phoned my doctor, and they admitted me to hospital where I stayed for three days. I still get the cramps but mostly only in the evenings. I have read that Braxton Hicks are not supposed to be painful. Can they be this painful, and why would they only be painful sometimes? Can they cause me to go into labour a bit early?

A DR KOLL ANSWERS: Braxton Hicks contractions are uncoordinated contractions of the muscle fibres of the uterus that do not lead to dilatation of the cervix. We are taught that they should not be painful, but at times they definitely are, and at these times, they should be treated simply to make you more comfortable. Safe medications are available to relax the uterus and get rid of your discomfort. These contractions are often aggravated by overdoing it. Are you getting enough rest? Simply taking things a bit easier may alleviate your discomfort. It is important to note that painful contractions must always be properly assessed by your doctor or midwife and that true premature labour must be excluded before simply treating ”painful Braxton Hicks”. ●