Pregnancy Guide: What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

If you're pregnant, you’ve probably heard about Braxton Hicks contractions. These practice contractions can feel uncomfortable, but they're nothing to worry about. They’re just your body’s way of preparing for the actual labor. Let’s talk about what they feel like, how to tell them apart from actual labor, and when to call your doctor.

What Are Braxton Hicks?

Braxton Hicks contractions are also called false labor. They are uterine contractions felt during the later part of pregnancy that can be mistaken for preterm labor or real labor contractions. 

Notably, Braxton Hicks are less intense and less frequent than true labor contractions. Also, unlike true labor, Braxton Hicks contractions generally go away with a change in position or resting. 

These false labor contractions were first described by an English doctor, John Braxton Hicks, in the late 19th century. They are believed to help a pregnant woman practice contractions and prepare for labor.

What Do Braxton Hicks Feel Like?

Braxton Hicks contractions feel like mild menstrual cramps. You feel contractions in the front part of the abdomen but not the back or lower pelvis. They can start and stop with a change in position. Most people describe them as uncomfortable but not as painful as labor pain. Unlike true contractions, Braxton Hicks do not become stronger over time, do not occur at regular intervals, and do not occur closer together with time.

What Causes Braxton Hicks?

Scientists don’t know the actual cause of Braxton Hicks. They are believed to be a way for the body to prepare for true labor contractions. Some people believe Braxton Hicks helps with cervical effacement, which is a thinning and shortening of the cervix (the opening of the uterus) during labor to prepare for childbirth.

Common triggers for Braxton Hicks contractions include:

• Dehydration

• Being active 

• A full bladder

• Sex

• Heavy lifting

How Can I Tell if It’s Braxton Hicks Contractions or True Contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions and real labor have some key differences. Braxton Hicks are irregular, mild, and usually stop when you change position or rest. They don’t get stronger or closer together over time. 

On the other hand, real labor contractions are regular, become more intense, and get closer together as time goes on. True labor contractions also last longer, typically 60-90 seconds, and don’t ease up with movement or changing positions. Plus, real labor often comes with other signs like water breaking or a bloody show, which doesn’t happen with Braxton Hicks.

Here is a table outlining the key differences between Braxton Hicks and actual labor:

What Are The 4 Types of Contractions? 

The four types of contractions a pregnant person can experience include:

• Braxton Hicks contractions. These are false alarms or false labor where you feel uncomfortable. They can occur weeks or months before your due date and true labor.

• Prodromal labor contractions. These occur in the hours or days before actual labor begins. They are stronger, longer, and more frequent than Braxton Hicks but do not signify real labor.

• Early labor contractions. This refers to when the cervix is dilated 0 to 6 centimeters (cm). Full cervix dilation is 10 cm for the baby to pass through. Early labor contractions are regular but less intense and further apart than active labor.

• Active labor contractions. These are stronger contractions of the uterine muscles that are more painful, longer lasting (60 seconds or more), closer together (occurring every 5 minutes or less), in a regular pattern. 

What Can Be Mistaken For Braxton Hicks?  

Prodromal labor can be mistaken for Braxton Hicks. Both prodromal labor and Braxton Hicks are practice contractions that can occur several weeks or months before real labor starts. Both types of contractions are located in the front of the abdomen. Neither signals the start of active labor. Both are not accompanied by water breaking or a bloody show (this is a small amount of mucus and blood from the vagina).

However, prodromal contractions are stronger and more painful than Braxton Hicks, which are typically mild cramps. Prodromal contractions are consistent (5-10 minutes apart) versus Braxton Hicks, which are irregular or unpredictable. Also, unlike Braxton Hicks, prodromal contractions don’t change with movement. In addition, prodromal contractions typically occur in the late third trimester, whereas in some people, Braxton Hicks starts in the second trimester.

Managing Braxton Hicks and Seeking Relief  

How To Calm Down Braxton Hicks

Here are some tips to calm down Braxton Hicks:

• Walk or move if you’ve been immobile for a long time.

• Lie down and rest if you have been active or moving.

• Drink water. Even minor dehydration can trigger Braxton Hicks.

• Eat a light snack.

• Empty your bladder.

• Do something relaxing, such as taking a warm bath, getting a massage, listening to music, or reading a book.

When Should You Go To The Hospital For Braxton Hicks?

You don’t need to go to the hospital for Braxton Hicks. They are entirely normal and common during pregnancy. If you are unsure about Braxton Hicks vs real labor contractions, it might help to track the intensity of pain, duration of one contraction, and frequency of the contractions. Do not hesitate to call your healthcare provider and give them this information if unsure.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Vaginal bleeding.

• Water breaking (wetness, leaking fluid, a trickle or gush).

• Strong contractions that occur every 5 minutes or less for one hour or longer. 

• Inability to talk or walk during contractions.

• Fewer than 6-10 baby movements or a change in movements.

Signs of True Labor

To help you recognize when you're in true labor, it's important to be aware of changes in your cervix and body. These signs can give you clues that true labor is underway:

Cervix Changes

Effacement: During early labor, the cervix (opening to the uterus) undergoes effacement, becoming softer, thinner, and shorter. You may feel nothing at all during this time or mild contractions.

Dilation: As labor progresses, the cervix undergoes dilation (widening). This is measured in centimeters from 0 to 10. At 10 cm, the cervix is said to be fully dilated.

Vaginal discharge: A thick mucus plug blocks the cervix during pregnancy to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. This plug moves into the vagina in the late third trimester. This can happen several days before labor starts or when labor begins. You may notice an increase in clear or pink vaginal discharge.

Lightening or engagement: These terms describe the baby’s head settling deep into the pelvis. This can happen a few weeks to a few hours before childbirth. It causes a change in the shape of the belly, which might also feel lighter due to the baby moving down. 

Rupture of membranes: Also called “water breaking,” this signals the breaking of the fluid-filled amniotic sac that cushions the baby. You may have a trickle or gush of amniotic fluid. Contact your OB/GYN or midwife immediately. If labor doesn’t start soon after your water breaks, you may need induction of labor as there is a risk of infection.

Regularity and Intensity

True labor contractions are regular and about 2 to 5 minutes apart. They get closer together over time. Each contraction lasts 60 to 90 seconds. The labor contractions continue regardless of movement, position, or activity. They also get stronger and more intense over time. You find it increasingly harder to walk or talk when you’re having real labor contractions.

Preparing For Childbirth  

Braxton Hicks vs Contractions 

As noted, true labor contractions get progressively stronger, last longer, and occur more frequently over time. Braxton Hicks or false contractions are perfectly normal, but they are different from real labor in that they are irregular and don't get stronger with time. Awareness of the various contractions can help you know when you’re in labor and ensure a smooth and safe childbirth experience.

Developing A Plan With Your Healthcare Provider  

It’s important to develop a detailed labor plan with your healthcare provider. Discuss your preferences for pain management, labor positions and support, delivery interventions, and postpartum care. Also, be prepared to discuss potential complications and how you'd like to be cared for if those situations arise.

When Should You Go To The Hospital With Contractions?

If your contractions are 5 minutes or less apart, last for 1 minute or more, and continue for 1 hour or longer, they are real labor contractions, and you should head to the hospital. This is called the 5-1-1 Rule.

Additional Common Questions

Do Contractions Start Off Feeling Like Braxton Hicks? 

Yes, early labor contractions can start feeling like Braxton-Hicks contractions because they are mild and take some time to get into a regular pattern.

Can Braxton Hicks Turn Into Real Contractions? 

No, Braxton Hicks cannot turn into real contractions. They do not result in dilation of the cervix or childbirth. 

Do Lots of Braxton Hicks Mean Easier Labor?

No, lots of Braxton Hicks don’t necessarily mean easier labor. These false contractions are simply a way for your body to prepare for labor. They are not a sign that labor is coming or will be easier.

Does Everyone Experience Braxton Hicks?

No, all pregnant people do not experience Braxton Hicks. Some people never have them, while others have them for weeks or months before labor contractions start.

How Often Should You Have Braxton Hicks?

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and infrequent. Some people never feel Braxton Hicks contractions. Others report experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions several times a day.

When Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Start?

Braxton Hicks contractions typically start in the third trimester but can happen as early as the second trimester and can continue until true labor contractions begin. Braxton Hicks contractions are harmless as your body prepares for actual labor. Some people may experience them for months, while others may not experience them at all.