Truth About Braxton Hicks

Braxton Hick contractions are known as practice contractions or false labor. Whether it is your first pregnancy or a subsequent one, these contractions can happen when you least expect them. On the other hand, it is also possible to not experience them. If you have no Braxton Hicks contractions at 39 weeks, there is no cause for alarm. Experts say that these types of contractions are meant to prepare the body for labor and delivery.  At whatever stage of your pregnancy, you are in, when they happen, you may find yourself rushing to the hospital. In some cases, they will happen in a very mild manner that you may not even notice them.

Having no Braxton Hicks contractions at 39 weeks is fine as this does not affect you or your baby in any way. There are different myths that are propagated but the truth of the matter is that you will have no problems during labor and childbirth even if the Braxton Hicks do not happen. For most first-time mothers, it is possible to have false contractions and not even be aware. In other cases, there are some women who experience intense Braxton Hicks and this can be quite scary. Usually, most women compare these to the tightening of abdomen muscles and can be a little bit uncomfortable.

Whatever the case, you do not have any reason to worry whether the warm-up contractions happen or not. They may happen towards the tail end of your pregnancy or not at all. There is no specific trend or pattern that they follow but mostly they will occur as you draw closer to the delivery date.

Do All Pregnant Women Experience Braxton Hicks?

Most women will experience Braxton Hicks contractions. However, this will vary from woman to woman. In most cases, they will happen in the 3rd trimester but can also start as early as 22 weeks into the pregnancy. There are some women who will not feel this type of contraction until the actual one happens. As such, it is normal to get no Braxton Hicks contractions at 39 weeks. These contractions are quite mild in most cases and could even be painless.

In the final stages of the pregnancy, they may become stronger and some women confuse them with the actual labor.

If you have any concerns about the health of your unborn baby, it is imperative to talk to your doctor. The main difference between these contractions with the actual labor is the fact that the cervix will dilate in true labor. Having your doctor examine you is important so as to check if the cervix is opening up. In such a case, this means that you are getting into actual labor.

Final Thoughts

Braxton Hicks are different in every woman and can be confusing. However, even if there are no Braxton Hicks contractions at 39 weeks, you should not panic. Just go along with your pregnancy and wait for the main event to deliver your baby. Always speak to an expert in the event of unusual experiences.