Pregnancy brings many new sensations that can be confusing for expectant individuals. Abdominal discomfort is common. Two frequent occurrences that can sometimes be mistaken for one another are Braxton Hicks contractions and gas pain. While both are normal aspects of pregnancy, understanding their differences can help alleviate concern.
Braxton Hicks Contractions Explained
Braxton Hicks contractions are often referred to as “practice contractions” or “false labor.” They prepare the uterus for actual labor by toning muscles and potentially softening the cervix. They are a normal part of pregnancy, though not everyone feels them. They are believed to start as early as six weeks gestation but are typically felt more noticeably in the second or third trimester, becoming more frequent in the third trimester.
Braxton Hicks feel like a tightening or hardening of the abdomen. This tightness usually begins at the top of the uterus and spreads downwards. While generally uncomfortable, they are not usually painful, although some individuals might experience mild menstrual-like cramps. These contractions are irregular in frequency, intensity, and duration, often lasting between 15 to 30 seconds, though they can extend up to two minutes. They are unpredictable and tend to subside with a change in activity, position, hydration, or rest.
Gas Pain During Pregnancy
Gas pain is a common discomfort during pregnancy, primarily due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus. The hormone progesterone, which increases significantly during pregnancy, causes muscles throughout the body to relax, including those in the digestive tract. This relaxation slows down digestion, allowing food to move more slowly, leading to increased gas buildup. As pregnancy advances, the expanding uterus exerts additional pressure on the digestive organs, further slowing digestion and retaining gas.
Gas pain can feel like sharp, cramping, or aching sensations, often localized to a specific area of the abdomen, and may even radiate to the back or chest. These pains can be accompanied by bloating, burping, or flatulence. Common causes include certain foods like beans, cruciferous vegetables, and dairy, as well as constipation and swallowed air from chewing gum or drinking through a straw. Simple measures like walking, dietary adjustments, or changing positions can often help alleviate the discomfort.
Distinguishing Between Braxton Hicks and Gas
To differentiate Braxton Hicks contractions from gas pain, observe the discomfort’s specific characteristics. Braxton Hicks typically feel like a generalized tightening or hardening across the entire uterus. In contrast, gas pain often presents as sharp, localized discomfort, feeling more like a cramp, pressure, or a “bubble popping” sensation within the digestive tract.
Location also offers a clue. Braxton Hicks involve the uterus itself, felt across the belly. Gas pain, however, is commonly felt in the lower abdomen or sides, often associated with the bowel, and can sometimes be felt in the back or chest. Braxton Hicks are irregular and unpredictable, not following a consistent pattern. Gas pain can be persistent or come in waves but does not exhibit the rhythmic increase in intensity and frequency seen in true contractions.
Relief mechanisms also differ. Braxton Hicks contractions often subside with a change in activity, such as walking or resting, or by drinking water. Gas pain, conversely, may be relieved by passing gas, having a bowel movement, or through movements that help trapped air escape, such as walking or specific yoga poses. The intensity of Braxton Hicks usually remains stable or decreases, and they do not progressively become stronger or closer together. Gas pain can be intense, but it typically does not follow a progressive pattern of increasing strength and regularity.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While Braxton Hicks contractions and gas pain are generally harmless, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they could indicate true labor or other complications. Contact a healthcare provider if contractions become regular, stronger, and closer together, especially if they last 60 to 90 seconds and occur every 5 to 10 minutes. Pain that radiates to the back or changes in quality, such as becoming stabbing, should also be reported.
Other red flag symptoms include any vaginal bleeding or spotting heavier than light discharge, or the passage of a mucus plug with significant blood. Fluid leaking from the vagina, whether a sudden gush or a continuous trickle, requires immediate assessment. Severe or persistent abdominal pain that does not resolve, decreased fetal movement, or any concerns about the baby’s well-being are also reasons to seek prompt medical advice.