WordNet

painless contractions of the muscles of the uterus that continue throughout pregnancy with increasing frequency (同)false_labor
(physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber) (同)muscular_contraction, muscle_contraction
the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
a word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds; "`wont is a contraction of `will not"; "`oclock is a contraction of `of the clock"

PrepTutorEJDIC

〈U〉〈C〉(…の)収縮,短縮《+『of』+『名』》 / 〈U〉(通貨・資金・支出などの)縮小,節減《+『of』+『名』》 / 〈U〉(いやなこと・よくないことを)身に負うこと,(悪習などが)身につくこと《+『of』+『名』》 / 〈C〉陣痛

Wikipedia preview

出典(authority):フリー百科事典『ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』「2015/12/27 00:42:18」(JST)

wiki en

Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as prodromal labour or practice contractions, or incorrectly as false labour, are sporadic uterine contractions that sometimes start around six weeks into a pregnancy. However, they are not usually felt until the second trimester or third trimester of pregnancy. ^[1]

Symptoms

Braxton Hicks contractions are often infrequent, irregular, and involve only mild cramping.^[1]

As pregnancy goes on Braxton Hicks contractions go from unnoticeable amounts of pain signals to irregular, infrequent cramping to strong frequent cramping and then finally labor pains.

Cause

Braxton Hicks contractions are a tightening of the uterine muscles for one to two minutes and are thought to be an aid to the body in its preparation for birth.^[2] Not all expectant mothers feel these contractions. They are not thought to be part of the process of effacement of the cervix.

Alleviating factors

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.
Rhythmic breathing may alleviate the discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions.
Lying down on the left side can help ease the pain of contractions.
A slight change in movement sometimes makes the contractions disappear.
A full bladder can sometimes trigger Braxton Hicks, so urination may end the contractions.

History

Braxton Hicks contractions are named after the English doctor who first described them. In 1872, John Braxton Hicks investigated the later stages of pregnancy and noted that many women felt contractions without being near birth.^[3] This process was usually painless but caused women confusion as to whether or not they were going into actual labour. It has since been found that Braxton Hicks contractions are much less noticeable during exercise, whereas real contractions are noticeable during exercise.^{[citation needed]}

References

^ ^a ^b Leah Hennen; Murray, Linda; Jim Scott (2005). The BabyCenter Essential Guide to Pregnancy and Birth : Expert Advice and Real-World Wisdom from the Top Pregnancy and Parenting Resource. Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Books. ISBN 1-59486-211-7.
^ Bhattacharya, Deepamala. "Braxton Hicks Contractions". Pregmed. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
^ Dunn PM (1999). "John Braxton Hicks (1823-97) and painless uterine contractions". Arch. Dis. Child. Fetal Neonatal Ed. 81 (2): F157–8. doi:10.1136/fn.81.2.F157. PMC 1720982. PMID 10448189.

UpToDate Contents

全文を閲覧するには購読必要です。 To read the full text you will need to subscribe.

1. 陣痛の潜伏相 latent phase of labor
2. 早期分娩および早期産の概要 overview of preterm labor and birth
3. 分娩の生理学 physiology of parturition
4. 早産および早期分娩を予測する胎児のフィブロネクチン fetal fibronectin for prediction of preterm labor and delivery
5. 患者情報：早期分娩（詳細） preterm labor beyond the basics

English Journal

Powell's Pearls: John Braxton Hicks, MD (1823-1897).

, P P, J J, J J, .
Obstetrical & gynecological survey. 2007 Sep;62(9)559.
PMID 17705884

From Braxton Hicks to preterm labour: the constitution of risk in pregnancy.

MacKinnon K, McIntyre M.
The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmieres. 2006 Jun;38(2)56-72.
With the recent introduction of preterm birth prevention programs there has been a shift in our understanding of what the presence of contractions during pregnancy means and a reconstituting of risk in ways that position increasing numbers of women at risk for preterm birth. This paper highlights th
PMID 16871850