Episode 25: The best thing you can do when you get Braxton Hicks

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I’m sharing the best thing you can do when experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. Share this one with all of your pregnant friends! Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic uterine tightenings that differ from labour contractions as they do not involve the build-up of birthing hormones. They can last from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes and are more common in subsequent pregnancies. Managing them involves slowing down breathing and adopting forward-leaning positions, which provide comfort and create space for the baby. These practices also help in preparing the body for labor by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which is crucial for the production of oxytocin and endorphins. Understanding and practicing these techniques can be beneficial, especially for those experiencing pregnancy for the first time or those who have conceived through fertility treatments.

In this episode of the podcast I talk about:

• Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular tightenings of the uterus, distinct from labor contractions due to the absence of birthing hormone activity.
• These contractions can last from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes and are more frequently experienced in later pregnancies.
• Effective management includes slowing the breath and adopting forward-leaning positions, which help alleviate pressure on the back and hips while creating space for the baby.
• Such practices not only provide comfort during Braxton Hicks but also prepare the body for labour by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, crucial for the production of oxytocin and endorphins.
• Understanding and applying these techniques is beneficial for all pregnancies, including those achieved through fertility treatments, affirming the body’s natural ability to give birth.

Sound bites from this episode:

“Your body was designed to birth your baby.”

“Slowing the breath allows that adrenaline to dissipate and it allows your love hormones, your oxytocin and your endorphins to build.”

“Use the Braxton Hicks as a little kind of trial run of using some tools that will support you in labor and birth if you are pregnant for the first time. The Braxton Hicks can be less common and perhaps take longer to come along in your pregnancy if you’re in subsequent pregnancies. Each pregnancy you have, your uterus gets a bit more irritable, it kind of gets called. So you are more likely to have more Braxton Hicks.”