Labor! You can’t talk about Braxton Hicks contractions without talking about it! Well, all pregnant women at some point will experience these Braxton Hicks contractions, but they are not the real contractions of labor and are not even a sign that labor is near.

What are false contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions or false contractions, are practice contractions, named after the doctor who identified them1. These are the false contractions, so let’s say that Braxton Hicks contractions are just the body practicing for the real expulsion contractions when it’s time for labor.

False contractions can happen just once a day, or a few times without the pregnant woman even noticing. They usually also happen after sexual intercourse. At first, Braxton Hicks contractions might catch mom by surprise—it’s odd to feel your belly harden out of nowhere—but these contractions are very common and natural during pregnancy.

When They Start Happening

These contractions can begin around the 20th week of pregnancy, sometimes later, but generally around this time. As soon as the uterus reaches a significant height, the uterine ‘practice’ for labor begins. Identifying Braxton Hicks contractions is easy—just watch out for these signals:

  • Hardening of the belly
  • Brief shortness of breath
  • Sensation of tightness in the belly and back

Typically, Braxton Hicks contractions last about 40 seconds to 1 minute, are painless, but can be uncomfortable depending on the woman’s position and, of course, startling because a hard belly can be impressive to the pregnant woman. All pregnant women can feel Braxton Hicks contractions, but since they aren’t painful, some may not notice them at all.

Video about False Contractions

Differences Between Braxton Hicks Contractions and Real Labor Contractions

Identifying real labor contractions isn’t that complicated2. Braxton Hicks contractions are not painful, but real labor contractions may be accompanied by strong or mild cramps, but there is always a pain component.

Another important point is that real labor contractions are irregular at first, but over time they become steady and rhythmic. Braxton Hicks contractions are spaced out and very irregular. So, one contraction now, another 30 minutes later, another one tomorrow, and so on. True contractions also tend to intensify, while Braxton Hicks remain at the same intensity and are painless as already mentioned.

Other Problems

But there are two important points to observe: if there is a urinary tract infection3, Braxton Hicks contractions may be accompanied by some cramping. The presence of kidney stones can also be responsible for pain with false contractions. Sharp pains in the vagina are also common, both with Braxton Hicks as well as actual labor contractions. Pain during pregnancy should be checked out, though some are considered normal—pelvic pain is one of them.

When to Worry

Should I take contractions seriously and go to the hospital? If there is any fluid loss, presence of blood, more painful contractions, or even painless but rhythmic contractions. Strong back pain that radiates forward can also be a sign that labor is near.

If the mucus plug comes out and is accompanied by contractions and pain, this should also be reported to the doctor providing prenatal care. If in doubt, talk to your doctor—remember, they are your best friend at this important stage of a woman’s life.

See also: Bleeding During Pregnancy – Warning sign!

Photo: bies