A pregnant woman is ossified
Ossification of the pregnant woman's abdomen, or what is known as Braxton Hicks contractions, are intermittent and painless contractions of the muscles of the pregnant woman's uterus, which may start from about the seventh week of pregnancy, and increase as the size of the uterus grows. Each contraction usually lasts for about a minute and a half, and it may happen once or twice every hour several times a day. During these contractions, the belly of a pregnant woman is rigid, so it is known as ossification, and the term Braxton Hicks contractions took its name from the British physician John Braxton Hicks, He was the first to describe it in 1872.
The importance of Braxton Hicks contractions
Intermittent contractions of the uterine muscles maybe just an indication that the uterus is maintaining the cohesion of its muscle tissue, and training the uterus on its next task during a real divorce. There is disagreement among experts about the effect of contractions on the cervix, some believe that they have no effect and that the cervix does not change until the end of the days of pregnancy, or when the pregnant woman is about to give birth, while some experts believe that contractions change the cervix to become shorter, And more expandable, ready to expand and make room for the exit of the baby.
False divorce and a true divorce
In the ninth month, a pregnant woman may think that Braxton Hicks contractions are the beginning of real labor contractions, so it is necessary to distinguish between them, and Braxton Hicks contractions are as follows:
- It is usually painless.
- They do not occur at regular intervals.
- Not convergent.
- It often stops if the woman changes her activity or posture.
- It does not last for long.
- Contractions are in the abdominal region from the front and pelvis.
As for the contractions of a true divorce, they are characterized by the following:
- Contractions that come at regular intervals and last for about 30-90 seconds.
- Over time, they tend to become more severe and last longer.
- Even if the woman changes her activity or posture, the contractions do not stop.
- Contractions start from the lower back and reach the abdomen in the front.
Causes of ossification of the abdomen
Other names for abdominal ossification or Braxton Hicks contractions are false labor, and they can increase blood flow to the placenta, which transports food and oxygen from the mother to the fetus, and transfers waste from the fetus to the mother, and among the reasons for their occurrence:
- Doing exercise.
- Intercourse: Contractions of the uterus occur after sexual intercourse due to the following reasons:
- During sexual intercourse, the body of a pregnant woman secretes the hormone oxytocin, which encourages the contraction of the uterine muscles.
- The husband's semen contains prostaglandins, which may cause uterine contractions.
- Body movement during sexual intercourse may cause the uterine muscles to contract.
- Drought.
- Bladder fullness.
Treatment of ossification of the abdomen
Some women may not feel contractions, and some may feel the discomfort. To relieve the discomfort caused by Braxton Hicks contractions, follow the following tips:
- A change in activity may help relieve pain, such as starting to walk, or relaxing if the woman is active.
- Drink a cup of water or a cup of herbal tea.
- Perform relaxation exercises, deep breathing, or mental relaxation.
- Eat any kind of food.
- Relax in a warm bath for up to 30 minutes.
- Area massage.
When to call a doctor
A doctor should be contacted if the following signs appear:
- Vaginal bleeding red.
- Continuous watery secretions and a constant feeling of wetness.
- Strong contractions every five minutes for one hour.
- Contractions are so strong that the woman is unable to walk when they occur. A marked change in the movement of the fetus, or the feeling of movement 6-10 times within one hour.
- Increased pressure in the pelvis and vagina.
- Feeling like flu-like symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Round ligament pain
A pregnant woman may also feel a sudden, sharp pain on both ends of the abdomen, which is called round ligament pain. The round ligament is the ligament that supports the uterus and connects it to the pelvis, and the larger the uterus, the greater the pressure on the ligament, and the pain may transfer to the thigh with movement, such as standing, rolling, coughing, sneezing, or even urination, and it usually takes a few seconds or minutes.
To relieve the discomfort caused by round ligament pain:
- Take a pain reliever after consulting a doctor.
- Exercise regularly to keep stomach muscles strong, and stretching exercises or yoga can be done after consulting a doctor.
- Bending over and bending your hips before coughing, sneezing, or laughing to avoid pulling the ligaments.
- Avoid sudden movements that may cause pain.
- Take a warm bath or use a warm compress.
- Adjusting the level of daily activity and avoiding situations that may exacerbate the condition.
Signs of a true divorce
Here are some of the signs that a pregnant woman may feel when the due date approaches:
Uterine contractions: the occurrence of a contraction that spreads to the entire abdomen and back, gradually increasing in intensity, followed by an interval between one contraction and another, contractions at first every half hour to become every twenty minutes, then every quarter of an hour, then ten minutes, then five minutes or less. In the final period before childbirth, the abdomen during contraction becomes very stiff.
Loss of the mucous plug: The mucous plug is excreted at the beginning of the true divorce, and sometimes shortly before it. It is a thick, mucous gel, sometimes gray and reddish.
Bursting of the water bag (amniotic water bag): One of its signs is the flow of a non-sticky fluid, just like water, where a pregnant woman feels a loss of a large amount of this fluid at first, then it becomes less and at this stage, she must go to the hospital immediately.
