Maternity Nursing: Antepartum Q 30
At a prenatal visit at 36 weeks’ gestation, a client complains of discomfort with irregularly occurring contractions. The nurse instructs the client to:
A. Lie down until they stop.
B. Walk around until they subside.
C. Time contraction for 30 minutes.
D. Take 10 grains of aspirin for the discomfort.
Correct Answer: B. Walk around until they subside.
Ambulation relieves Braxton Hicks. Braxton Hicks contractions are thought to play a role in toning the uterine muscle in preparation for the birth process. Sometimes Braxton Hicks contractions are referred to as “practice for labor.” Braxton Hicks contractions do not result in dilation of the cervix but may have a role in cervical softening.
Option A: Braxton Hicks contractions may stop with a change in activity level or as the woman changes position. If she can sleep through the contraction, it is a Braxton Hicks contraction. True labor contractions continue and may even become stronger with movement or position change.
Option C: Braxton Hicks contractions are unpredictable. They may last less than 30 seconds or up to 2 minutes. True labor contractions last between 30 to less than 90 seconds and become longer over time.
Option D: There is no medical treatment for Braxton Hicks contractions. However, taking action to change the situation that triggered the Braxton Hicks contractions is warranted.