Definition of Braxton Hicks contractions in English:
Braxton Hicks contractions
plural nounˌbrakstən ˈhɪksˌbrakstən ˈhiks kənˌtrakSH(ə)nz
Medicine Intermittent weak contractions of the uterus occurring during pregnancy.
Example sentencesExamples
- It sounds like you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, which are the dress rehearsal for real labor.
- The Braxton Hicks contractions only help to prepare, or exercise, the uterus for labor and delivery.
- The majority of pregnant women experience Braxton Hicks contractions during different stages of pregnancy.
- Tightenings of the uterus, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, become stronger in the third trimester.
- Towards the beginning of true labour Braxton Hicks contractions may become more frequent, stronger and even painful.
Origin
Early 20th century: named after John Braxton Hicks (1823–97), English gynaecologist.
Definition of Braxton Hicks contractions in US English:
Braxton Hicks contractions
plural nounˌbrakstən ˈhiks kənˌtrakSH(ə)nz
Medicine Intermittent weak contractions of the uterus occurring during pregnancy.
Example sentencesExamples
- Tightenings of the uterus, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, become stronger in the third trimester.
- Towards the beginning of true labour Braxton Hicks contractions may become more frequent, stronger and even painful.
- The Braxton Hicks contractions only help to prepare, or exercise, the uterus for labor and delivery.
- It sounds like you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, which are the dress rehearsal for real labor.
- The majority of pregnant women experience Braxton Hicks contractions during different stages of pregnancy.
Origin
Early 20th century: named after John Braxton Hicks (1823–97), English gynaecologist.