For the album Braxton Hicks by Jebediah

Jebediah

Jebediah is an Australian alternative rock band formed in 1994 in Perth, Western Australia. The group consists of vocalist and guitarist Kevin Mitchell, guitarist Chris Daymond, bassist Vanessa Thornton, and Kevin's brother Brett Mitchell on drums...

 see Braxton Hicks (album)

Braxton Hicks (album)

Braxton Hicks is the fourth studio album by Australian alternative rock band Jebediah, released on Redline Records on 12 July 2004.- Making of the album :...

.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Contraction (childbirth)

-Throughout menstrual cycle:The uterus frequently contracts throughout the entire menstrual cycle, and these contractions have been termed endometrial waves or contractile waves. These appear to involve only the sub-endometrial layer of the myometrium...

, also known as false labor or practice contractions, are sporadic uterine contractions that sometimes start around 6 weeks. However, they are not usually felt until the second trimester or third trimester of pregnancy

Pregnancy

Pregnancy refers to the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, in a woman's uterus. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets...

.

Cause

Braxton Hicks contractions are a tightening of the uterine

Uterus

The uterus or womb is a major female hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ of most mammals including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes, depending on the species...

 muscle

Muscle

Muscle is a contractile tissue of animals and is derived from the mesodermal layer of embryonic germ cells. Muscle cells contain contractile filaments that move past each other and change the size of the cell. They are classified as skeletal, cardiac, or smooth muscles. Their function is to...

s for one to two minutes and are thought to be an aid to the body in its preparation for birth

Childbirth

Childbirth is the culmination of a human pregnancy or gestation period with the birth of one or more newborn infants from a woman's uterus...

. Not all expectant mothers feel these contractions. They are not thought to be part of the process of effacement of the cervix

Cervix

The cervix is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. It is cylindrical or conical in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall...

.

Alleviating factors

1. Dehydration can make muscles spasm, bringing on a contraction, and is thought to be a factor in extended Braxton Hicks contractions. Adequate hydration can alleviate Braxton Hicks contractions.
2. Rhythmic breathing may alleviate the discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions.
3. Lying down on the left side can help ease the pain of contractions.
4. A slight change in movement sometimes makes the contractions disappear.
5. A full bladder can sometimes trigger Braxton Hicks, so urination may end the contractions

History

Braxton Hicks are named after the English

English people

The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...

 doctor who first described them. In 1872, John Braxton Hicks

John Braxton Hicks

John Braxton Hicks was a 19th century English doctor who specialised in obstetrics.He was born to Edward Hicks in Rye, Sussex. He was educated privately and in 1841 entered Guy's Hospital Medical School. He obtained his MB at the University of London in 1845 and an MD in 1851...

 investigated the later 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

Childbirth

Childbirth is the culmination of a human pregnancy or gestation period with the birth of one or more newborn infants from a woman's uterus...

. It has since been found that Braxton Hicks' contractions are much less noticeable during exercise, whereas real contractions are not.