Braxton Hicks contractions
| Braxton Hicks contractions | |
| ICD-10 | O47. |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 644.1 |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Braxton Hicks' contractions, also known as false labour (British English, false labor in American English) or practice contractions. Braxton Hicks are sporadic uterine contractions that actually start at about 6 weeks, although one will not feel them that early. Most women start feeling them during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
Cause
Braxton Hicks contractions is a tightening of the uterine muscles for one to two minutes and is thought to be an aid to the body in its preparation for birth. Not all expectant mothers have these contractions. They are thought to be part of the process of effacement, the thinning and dilation of the cervix.
History
Braxton Hicks are named after the English doctor who first described them. In 1872, John Braxton Hicks investigated the latter stages of pregnancy and noted that many women felt contractions without being near birth. This process was usually painless but caused women confusion as to whether or not they were going into actual labor. It has since been found that Braxton Hicks' contractions are much less noticeable during exercise, whereas real contractions are not.
Worsening factors
Dehydration is thought to be a contributing factor in extended Braxton Hicks contractions.
Relieving factors
Methods for ceasing Braxton Hicks contractions include: changing position; taking a warm bath or shower; drinking water; resting; or changing activities.[1]
References
- ↑ "Braxton Hicks Contractions". babycenter.com, Medical Advisory Board. July, 2005. Baby Center, LLC. June 1, 2007 <http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/156.html>
Symptoms and signs: circulatory (R00–R03, 785) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular |
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| Myeloid/blood |
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Symptoms and signs: respiratory system (R04–R07, 786) | |
|---|---|
| Hemorrhage | * Epistaxis |
| Abnormalities of breathing | ; Respiratory sounds: |
| Other | * Asphyxia |
| Chest, general | * Chest pain |
Symptoms and signs: skin and subcutaneous tissue (R20-R23, 782) | |
|---|---|
| Disturbances of skin sensation | Hypoesthesia - Paresthesia - Hyperesthesia |
| Other | Rash - Cyanosis - Pallor - Flushing - Petechia - Desquamation - Induration - Diaphoresis |
Symptoms and signs: nervous and musculoskeletal systems (R25-R29, 781) | |
|---|---|
| Abnormal involuntary movements (see also movement disorders) | Tremor - Spasm - Fasciculation - Athetosis |
| Gait abnormality | Scissor gait - Antalgic gait - Cerebellar ataxia - Festinating gait - Pigeon gait - Propulsive gait - Steppage gait - Stomping gait - Spastic gait - Myopathic gait - Magnetic gait - Trendelenburg gait |
| Lack of coordination | Ataxia (Cerebellar ataxia, Sensory ataxia) - Dysmetria - Dysdiadochokinesia - Hypotonia |
| Other | Tetany - Meningism - Hyperreflexia - Opisthotonus - Abnormal posturing - Hemispatial neglect |
Symptoms and signs: urinary system (R30-R39, 788) | |
|---|---|
| General | Renal colic - Dysuria - Vesical tenesmus - Urinary incontinence - Urinary retention - Oliguria - Polyuria - Nocturia - Extravasation of urine - Extrarenal uremia |
Symptoms and signs: cognition, perception, emotional state and behaviour (R40-R46, 780-781) | |
|---|---|
| General | Anxiety - Somnolence - Coma - Amnesia (Anterograde amnesia, Retrograde amnesia) - Dizziness/Vertigo |
| Olfaction | Anosmia - Parosmia |
| Taste | Ageusia - Parageusia |
Symptoms and signs: Speech and voice (R47-R49, 784) | |
|---|---|
| Aphasia/Dysphasia | Expressive aphasia - Receptive aphasia - Conduction aphasia |
| Other speech disturbances | Dysarthria - Schizophasia |
| Symbolic dysfunctions | Dyslexia - Alexia - Agnosia (Prosopagnosia) - Apraxia - Acalculia - Agraphia |
| Voice disturbances | Dysphonia - Aphonia |
Symptoms and signs: general (R50-R69, 780-789) | |
|---|---|
| General | Fever (Hyperpyrexia) - Headache - Chronic pain - Malaise/Fatigue (Asthenia, Debility) - Fainting (Vasovagal syncope) - Febrile seizure - Shock (Cardiogenic shock) - Lymphadenopathy - Edema (Peripheral edema, Anasarca) - Hyperhidrosis (Sleep hyperhidrosis) - Delayed milestone - Failure to thrive - Short stature (Idiopathic) - food and fluid intake (Anorexia, Polydipsia, Polyphagia) - Cachexia - Xerostomia - Clubbing - Tenderness |
Symptoms and signs: Symptoms concerning nutrition, metabolism and development (R62–R64, 783) | |
|---|---|
| Ingestion/Weight | |
| Growth | Delayed milestone • Failure to thrive • Short stature (e.g., Idiopathic) |
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