A first-time mother at 18 weeks of gestation is in for her regularly scheduled prenatal visit.The patient tells the nurse that she is afraid she is going into premature labour because she is beginning to have regular contractions.The nurse explains that these are Braxton Hicks contractions.What should the nurse teach the patient in relation to Braxton Hicks contractions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Soon after the fourth month of gestation uterine contractions can be felt through the abdominal wall.Braxton Hicks contractions are regular and painless and continue throughout the pregnancy.Although they are not painful,some women complain that they are annoying.Braxton Hicks contractions usually cease with walking or exercise.They can be mistaken for true labour; however,they do not increase in intensity or frequency,nor do they cause cervical dilation.In addition,they facilitate uterine blood flow through the intervillous spaces of the placenta and thereby promote oxygen delivery to the fetus.

A First-Time Mother at 18 Weeks of Gestation Is in for Her