Braxton Hicks contractions
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- Irregular contractions of the womb (the uterus) occurring towards the middle of pregnancy in the first pregnancy and, earlier and more intensely, in subsequent pregnancies. These contractions tend to occur during physical activity. The uterus tightens for 30 to 60 seconds beginning at the top of the uterus; and the contraction gradually spreads downward before relaxing. Although said to be painless, Braxton Hicks contractions may be quite uncomfortable and sometimes difficult to distinguish from the contractions of true labor. Not named for a Dr. Braxton and a Dr. Hicks but for John Braxton Hicks (1823-1897), a British gynecologist.
* * *
light, usually painless, irregular uterine contractions during pregnancy, gradually increasing in intensity and frequency and becoming more rhythmic during the late third trimester.
Medical dictionary.
2011.
Look at other dictionaries:
Braxton Hicks contractions — For the album Braxton Hicks by Jebediah see Braxton Hicks (album). Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as false labour (British English, false labor in American English) or practice contractions. Braxton Hicks are sporadic uterine contractions … Wikipedia
Braxton-Hicks contractions — Brax·ton Hicks contractions .brak stən hiks n pl relatively painless nonrhythmic contractions of the uterus that occur during pregnancy with increasing frequency over time but are not associated with labor Hicks John Braxton (1823 1897) British… … Medical dictionary
Braxton Hicks contractions — n. sporadic painless contractions of the uterus that occur toward the middle of pregnancy or even earlier (named after John Braxton Hicks) … English contemporary dictionary
Braxton Hicks contractions — [ˌbrakstən hɪks] plural noun Medicine intermittent weak contractions of the uterus occurring during pregnancy. Origin early 20th cent.: named after the English gynaecologist John Braxton Hicks … English new terms dictionary
Braxton Hicks contractions — irregular painless contractions of the uterus that occur during pregnancy and may become stronger towards term. [Braxton Hicks (1825–97), British obstetrician] … The new mediacal dictionary
braxton-hicks contractions — ˈbrakstənˈhiks noun plural Usage: usually capitalized B&H Etymology: after John Braxton Hicks died 1897 English gynecologist : relatively painless nonrhythmic contractions of the uterus that occur during pregnancy with increasing frequency over… … Useful english dictionary
Braxton Hicks contractions — … Useful english dictionary
Contractions, Braxton Hicks — Irregular contractions of the womb (the uterus) occurring towards the middle of pregnancy in the first pregnancy and, earlier and more intensely, in subsequent pregnancies. These contractions tend to occur during physical activity. The uterus… … Medical dictionary
Braxton Hicks — n. Braxton Hicks contractions, sporadic painless contractions of the uterus that occur toward the middle of pregnancy or even earlier (named after John Braxton Hicks) … English contemporary dictionary
Contractions de Braxton Hicks — Contraction de Braxton Hicks La contraction de Braxton Hicks (ou fausse contraction) est une contraction isolée de l utérus qui survient à partir de la sixième semaine de grossesse, quoique la plupart des femmes la ressente seulement à partir du… … Wikipédia en Français
