Difference Between Braxton Hicks and Labor Contraction
Labor contraction and Braxton Hicks are different from each other in terms of the severity of pain during the childbirth. The occurrence of these two pains varies from each other. Pregnant women should know the difference between these two types of pains.
Braxton Hicks
Braxton Hicks usually start during the second trimester of pregnancy. It is due to the increased activities. It may be during full bladder. It is not often painful and sometimes women have no feelings that they have contractions. The Braxton Hicks contraction may become painful when the due date is nearing. Walking helps in relieving the pain.
Labor Contractions
Labor contractions are painful and progressive. The pain starts from the back and moves towards the front. The abdomen is hard to touch during this period. The uterus tightens stretching the cervix. This is necessary as this prepares the body for child birth.
Difference between Braxton Hicks and Labor Contraction
It is not clear why Braxton Hicks contraction occurs. It seems that it helps the body to prepare for the actual pain during the real labor of child birth. It causes discomfort and it happens irregularly. Women are often confused if it is a labor pain or a different pain. It is associated with dehydration. Therefore, women are encouraged to drink a lot of water to avoid contractions. On the other hand pain is more intensive during the real labor.
These two types of pain are faced by all pregnant women. Women should be educated about the situations in which these pains occur. It will help them to be prepared better for the delivery. It also helps them to avoid unnecessary tensions. Thus both Braxton Hicks and Labor Contraction are related to the pains during the pregnancy and faced by all women but there is difference between them.