What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are mild, irregular contractions of your uterus that typically occur during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Sometimes called “false labor,” they are a normal way that your body prepares to give birth.
Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable but are not usually painful. They’re also not harmful to you or your baby and don’t require medical treatment. Learning the signs can help you know if what you are experiencing is normal and when to call your doctor.
What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?
Braxton Hicks contractions may feel like a tightening sensation or cramps you have during your period; your belly tightens and then relaxes. You usually feel Braxton Hicks contractions in the front of your belly or another specific area.
Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable and sometimes (but not always) painful. They also usually occur sporadically and go away within a short timeframe, typically when you rest, drink water or change position.
Braxton Hicks vs. real contractions
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions. Your doctor can distinguish between the two because real contractions cause your cervix to dilate, a sign you’re about to give birth, while Braxton Hicks contractions do not.
Still, certain differences may help you determine if you’re having Braxton Hicks or real contractions.
Braxton Hicks contractions
- Are unpredictable, lasting from a few seconds up to two minutes
- Cause pain or discomfort in a specific area (usually the front) of your belly or lower back
- Do not increase in frequency
- Go away when you rest, drink water or change position
- May start as early as your second trimester
- Occur at irregular intervals and eventually stop
- Tend to be milder, less intense and less regular than true labor contractions
Real labor contractions
- Are strong and regular
- Cause intense pain that makes it difficult to walk or talk
- Do not go away or become less painful when you rest, hydrate or change positions
- Increase in frequency and intensity as you get closer to delivering your baby
- Last 30 to 90 seconds
- May occur with other symptoms, such as blood discharge or your water breaking
- Start in your lower back or belly and radiate toward the front of your belly
- Usually begin in your third trimester or when your due date is getting close
When do Braxton Hicks contractions start?
Braxton Hicks contractions are thought to start as early as the sixth week of pregnancy, but you likely won’t feel them until the second trimester at the earliest. Most women begin to notice them in the third trimester.
Some women do not notice Braxton Hicks contractions at all. These contractions occur during all pregnancies, but you might not be aware of them.
What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?
Although doctors don’t know what causes Braxton Hicks contractions, they’re thought to help your body prepare for pregnancy.
During a Braxton Hicks contraction, muscles tighten and relax, which helps tone your uterus. The contractions may also help improve blood flow. They cause blood to move to the placenta and deliver oxygen-rich blood to your baby.
Some activities may increase your baby’s need for oxygen, which may trigger the contraction. These may include:
- Being dehydrated
- Having a full bladder
- Having sex
- Physical activity
How to relieve Braxton Hicks contractions
Taking time to rest, relax and drink enough fluid is often enough to ease your contractions. You might find they go away if you change your position or activity level.
If you have been very active, lie down for a nap. If you have been sitting for a long time, you might want to move or take a walk. Be mindful of avoiding potential triggers by:
- Being mindful when you have sex: Most women with healthy pregnancies do not need to avoid sex, but if sex causes uncomfortable contractions, you can wait for the discomfort to pass or try relaxation techniques.
- Drinking water: Drinking plenty of fluid (eight to 12 cups per day) will help you stay healthy during pregnancy. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as dark-colored urine, a dry mouth, or feeling dizzy or faint.
- Engaging in light to moderate exercise: Walking and other moderate-intensity activities are usually safe and can help keep you and your baby healthy. Stop if you experience regular contractions, pain, bleeding, dizziness or shortness of breath.
- Urinating regularly: This can reduce pressure on your bladder.
Find specialized maternity care close to home
Whether it’s determining if you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions or you’re ready to deliver, the compassionate and dedicated OBGYNs at our specialized maternity centers in North and Central Texas are by your side to guide you as your family grows.
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