Braxton Hicks contractions are a common experience during pregnancy. These uterine tightenings are a normal physiological process, and understanding them can help expectant parents navigate pregnancy with greater peace of mind. Clarifying their characteristics and timeline is valuable for distinguishing them from true labor.
Understanding Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as “practice contractions” or “false labor,” are the uterus’s way of preparing for childbirth. These tightenings tone the uterus for the upcoming birth process and promote blood flow to the placenta, ensuring oxygen-rich blood reaches the fetus. They do not indicate that labor has begun or result in cervical dilation.
Individual Braxton Hicks contractions are typically irregular in their timing and intensity. They usually manifest as mild discomfort or a tightening sensation rather than pain, often felt in the front of the abdomen. Each contraction generally lasts between 15 to 30 seconds, though some can extend up to two minutes. Changing activity or position, resting, or drinking water often helps these contractions subside.
Their Duration Across Pregnancy
Braxton Hicks contractions can begin quite early in pregnancy, with some individuals experiencing them as early as six weeks gestation. However, they are typically not felt until the second or third trimester, commonly around 20 weeks. These practice contractions can continue intermittently throughout the remainder of the pregnancy, right up until the onset of true labor.
As pregnancy progresses, particularly into the third trimester, the frequency and intensity of Braxton Hicks contractions may become more noticeable. While they might feel more pronounced closer to the due date, they remain a normal part of the body’s preparation for childbirth.
Distinguishing from True Labor and When to Seek Guidance
Differentiating Braxton Hicks contractions from true labor is important for expectant parents. A key distinction lies in their regularity; Braxton Hicks are irregular and do not follow a consistent pattern, while true labor contractions occur at regular intervals and become progressively closer together. The intensity also differs, as Braxton Hicks are usually mild and do not increase in strength, whereas true labor contractions become stronger over time.
True labor contractions typically last between 30 to 70 seconds and lengthen with time, unlike the varying duration of Braxton Hicks. Braxton Hicks contractions often subside with changes in activity, position, or hydration, but true labor contractions persist regardless of movement. True labor causes changes to the cervix, such as dilation, which Braxton Hicks contractions do not.
It is advisable to contact a healthcare provider if contractions become regular, increase in intensity, or occur frequently, such as every five minutes for an hour. Immediate medical guidance should be sought if contractions are accompanied by vaginal bleeding or spotting, a sudden gush or trickle of fluid from the vagina (indicating water breaking), or a noticeable decrease in fetal movement. Consult a healthcare professional for any concerns regarding contractions, especially if before 37 weeks of pregnancy.