Braxton Hicks contractions

 

Braxton Hicks Contractions

  • John Braxton Hicks, an English physician, first described it in 1871.
  • Physiological myometrial contraction.
  • Sporadic & usually starts at around 6 weeks.
  • Visualized on ultrasound in 2nd & 3rd trimesters.
  • In late pregnancy, these contractions cause false labor.

Ultrasound Findings:

  • Appears as focal 'transient' myometrial thickening making confusion with fibroid or retroplacental abnormality. These abnormalities are not transient & fibroid will have a thin echogenic pseudocapsule.
  • Give bed rest and recheck after an hour. Fibroid won't change its shape.

Case 01:





Incomplete Abortion

 

Incomplete Abortion

  • Products of conception are not completely expelled out


Clinical Features:

  • History of per vaginal fleshy mass expulsion
  • Continuation of abdominal pain
  • Continuation of per vaginal bleeding


Ultrasound Findings:

  • Irregular Mixed echogenic substances are noted within the uterine cavity


Case 01:

Video link for this case: https://youtu.be/rCTkTdW5Sv8



Case 02:




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Case 05:



  • Vascularity may be noted on Doppler if trophoblast tissue is present. Urine for PT may become positive there




Case 06:



  • In early gestation, irregular distorted or displaced gestational sac along with pervaginal bleeding may indicate incomplete abortion
  • Proper views for GSD or MSD is not be possible at this situation
 



Case 07:




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