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
- 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:
Case 02:
Case 03:
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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:
Case 08:
