Painful Braxton Hicks contractions

These so called Braxton Hicks contractions are normal during the last month of pregnancy and the fact that they are painful probably has more to do with the ‘contents’ of the pelvis than the uterus itself.

The growing foetus impinges upon the bladder, bowel, ovaries, the bony pelvis and the spine, which all are richly innervated structures.

My recommendations would be for lots of rest - the real danger of these contractions is from lack of sleep, which saps her energy for labour. Make sure she rests frequently during the day on her side. When on her back, the uterus is more irritable and contracts more frequently. Resting with her eyes closed is almost as good as sleep.

She should drink more fluids and keep the bladder empty. Even though fibre is very good for her, try to decrease dietary intake for a while to see if that helps. She should eat around the clock, little and often.

Babies are sometimes at their most active in the early bedtime hours, so she may try to adjust her sleep time to later, after the greatest period of foetal activity.

These type of contractions are annoying and can rob her of needed rest, but they do much to prepare the cervix for labour. I hope some of these ideas work for you. I wish you my best.
Peg