Question

Braxton Hicks contraction occur during
A. Passage of food through alimentary canal
B. Peristalsis
C. Pregnancy
D. Lactation

Answer 1

Hint: Braxton Hicks contractions are the contractions and the relaxation of the uterine muscle which occurs during the nine month of pregnancy. Sometimes they are referred to as false labor pain.

Complete answer:
Braxton Hicks contractions are the sporadic contractions and the relaxation of the uterine muscle. It starts around the 6 weeks gestation but these are not felt until the second or third trimester of the pregnancy. Also, these contractions are the way of preparing the body for true labor pain but these do not indicate that the labor has begun or when it is going to start.

These contractions may be uncomfortable but these are not painful and these are even normal parts of pregnancy. The feeling of these contractions is like a tightening area of the abdomen which comes and goes. These are also irregular in duration as these are unpredictable. These increase the frequency and intensity near the end of pregnancy. It does not cause dilation of the cervix. It only prepares the uterus in giving birth.

So, if we look at the options now,
> Option A is Passage of food through the alimentary canal which is completely incorrect as it is not even 1% related to this as these contractions are the false labor pain during pregnancy.

> Option B which is peristalsis. It is a series of muscle contractions which moves food to different stations in the digestive tract. So, this option is also incorrect as it is not related to the pregnancy and the Braxton Hicks contractions are related to pregnancy.

> Option C which is pregnancy and this option is the correct one as these contractions are the contractions during the pregnancy which helps in preparing the uterus in giving the birth. So, this option is the correct one.

> Option D is lactation and lactation is a period of milk secretions by the mammary gland and therefore it is also not related to the pregnancy and hence this option is also incorrect.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Braxton Hicks contractions are a normal part of pregnancy. They may be uncomfortable, but they are not painful. It gives a feeling of mild menstrual cramps or a tightening in a specific area of the abdomen that comes and goes.