The characteristic feature of Braxton-Hicks contraction?

KPSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Obstetrics and Midwifery Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

Braxton Hicks contractions are often called 'practice contractions' that prepare the uterus for labor but are not labor itself.
A key defining feature is that they are typically painless or feel like mild tightening, unlike the progressive and significant pain of true labor.
These contractions are irregular in frequency and duration and do not cause changes to the cervix, such as dilatation or effacement.
They can often be relieved by simple measures like changing position, walking, resting, or drinking water.

Option A: Fundal dominance is a characteristic of effective true labor contractions, where the contraction wave is strongest at the fundus and diminishes towards the cervix.
Option B: Retraction is the unique ability of uterine muscle fibers to shorten permanently with each contraction during true labor, which is essential for cervical effacement and fetal expulsion.
Option D: Cervical dilatation, the progressive opening of the cervix, is the definitive sign that true labor has begun and is progressing.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Differentiating Braxton Hicks contractions from true labor contractions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A crucial nursing role is educating pregnant patients on how to differentiate between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor to reduce anxiety and prevent unnecessary hospital visits.
Nurses should instruct patients to seek medical evaluation if contractions become regular, frequent (e.g., every 5 minutes for an hour), and progressively more painful, or if there is rupture of membranes or vaginal bleeding.
Patient teaching should include comfort measures for Braxton Hicks, such as hydration, changing positions, taking a warm bath, and gentle walking.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the differences between true and false labor.
First, recall the definition and primary characteristics of Braxton Hicks contractions. Think of them as 'practice' or 'false' labor.
Analyze each option to determine if it describes true labor or false labor.
Option A (Fundal dominance), B (Retraction), and D (Cervical dilatation) are all hallmarks of effective, progressive, true labor.
Option C (Absence of pain) is a classic feature used to describe Braxton Hicks contractions, distinguishing them from the painful nature of true labor.
Select the option that is a unique characteristic of Braxton Hicks contractions.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Differentiating Braxton Hicks contractions from true labor contractions.
Stem keywords: Braxton-Hicks contraction, characteristic feature
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 66-68

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur pp. 6-11, 54-68