braxton-hicks contraction

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Word: Braxton-Hicks Contraction

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Braxton-Hicks contractions are painless tightening and relaxing of the muscles in the uterus that can occur during pregnancy. They often start in the second trimester and can become more frequent as the pregnancy progresses. These contractions are sometimes called "practice contractions" because they prepare the body for actual labor, but they do not mean that labor is starting.

Usage Instructions:

• Use this term when discussing pregnancy, especially when talking about the physical changes a pregnant person may experience.
• It is often used by healthcare providers when explaining what a pregnant person might feel.

Example Sentence:

• "During her pregnancy, Maria experienced several Braxton-Hicks contractions, which reassured her that her body was preparing for labor."

Advanced Usage:

• In a medical context, you might hear healthcare professionals discuss how Braxton-Hicks contractions can help the uterus tone and prepare for the actual contractions during labor.

Word Variants:

• Braxton-Hicks (used as an adjective when describing the contractions)
• There are no direct variants of "Braxton-Hicks contraction," but you may encounter the term "practice contractions" in informal contexts.

Different Meanings:

• The term "Braxton-Hicks" specifically refers to these non-painful contractions in the context of pregnancy. Outside of this meaning, "Braxton-Hicks" does not have other definitions.

Synonyms:

• Practice contractions
• False labor (though this term can imply a broader range of activities, Braxton-Hicks contractions are often considered a type of false labor).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "Braxton-Hicks contractions," as it is a specialized term used in medical and pregnancy contexts.

Summary:

Braxton-Hicks contractions are a normal part of pregnancy, helping the body prepare for childbirth.

Academic

Noun

1. painless contractions of the muscles of the uterus that continue throughout pregnancy with increasing frequency

Synonyms

• Braxton-Hicks contraction
• false labor