What Do Braxton-Hicks Contractions Feel Like?

Braxton-Hicks contractions are cyclical tightenings of the abdomen. They can occur in pregnant people during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Experts also use the terms “false labor” and “practice labor” to describe the phenomenon. Braxton-Hicks contractions indicate that the uterus is preparing for true labor. They are a normal part of pregnancy and are present in most pregnancies.

Read on to learn more about Braxton-Hicks contractions, including when they occur, how they are different from real labor, and how to ease discomfort.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are sudden contractions and relaxations of the uterus. They do not indicate a disorder. They are normal exercises your body performs as it prepares for labor.

In fact, studies suggest that the contractions actually have a positive effect on the body. Specifically, they help promote blood flow to the placenta and boost the oxygen supply to it.

Because Braxton-Hicks contractions tighten the uterine muscles, you may experience mild discomfort. You may even think that you are in labor. However, the sensation typically goes away after a few seconds.

Each pregnant person experiences Braxton-Hicks contractions differently.

When they begin, the contractions usually feel like a painless tightening sensation across the belly. If you place your hands on your abdomen, you may feel your uterus becoming hard during the contraction.

Typically, the sensation comes and goes and lasts only about 30 seconds each time.

If you are not sure if you are experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions or true labor, contact your obstetrician or midwife.

Braxton-Hicks contractions may feel a lot like labor toward the end of pregnancy. However, they are only a predictor of labor and do not indicate labor themselves.

The following table illustrates the differences between Braxton-Hicks contractions and actual labor.

Braxton-Hicks contractions can begin as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy. However, most people do not report experiencing them until the second or third trimester of pregnancy (between week 14 and week 40).

Braxton-Hicks contractions become more frequent in the final stages of pregnancy. They may recur every 10–20 minutes.

This may be a sign of pre-labor, which is the stage of pregnancy just before true labor.

Braxton-Hicks contractions result from the tightening and loosening of the muscle fibers that line the wall of the uterus. The reason this happens is unclear.

However, experts believe it is the body’s way of preparing for delivery.

Some research suggests that certain circumstances can trigger Braxton-Hicks contractions. These include:

• sexual intercourse
• dehydration
• having a full bladder
• physical activity

These situations create a need for increased blood flow to the placenta, thus causing the uterus to contract and relax.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are not

typically painful. However, they may cause some discomfort. 

To ease this discomfort, try:

• lying down on your side
• going for a walk
• practicing a breathing exercise
• taking a warm bath
• having a massage
• hydrating by drinking water

If the discomfort persists after trying these exercises, contact your obstetrician or midwife.

In rare cases, serious symptoms may accompany Braxton-Hicks contractions. In such cases, it is vital to contact your obstetrician or midwife for evaluation.

Such symptoms may include:

• contractions that become more intense and more frequent 
• persistent pain or pressure in the pelvis or abdomen
• vaginal bleeding 
• a general feeling of sickness
• leaking fluid from the vagina

If your pregnancy is at 37 weeks or earlier, contractions may indicate premature labor. Contact your obstetrician or midwife right away if contractions become more intense or do not dissipate.

These are some other questions that people often ask about Braxton-Hicks contractions. The answers have been reviewed by Dr. Joshua Copel, M.D.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are the body’s way of preparing for labor, but they do not indicate the onset of true labor. Braxton-Hicks contractions may occur more frequently later in pregnancy, but they are not the same as real labor contractions. It is not possible to use Braxton-Hicks contractions to predict exactly when true labor will begin.

Braxton-Hicks contractions tend to dissipate after about 30 seconds, whereas true labor contractions can last 1 minute or longer.

Certain factors can trigger Braxton-Hicks contractions, including sexual intercourse, physical activity, dehydration, and having a full bladder.

Contact your obstetrician or midwife if you experience contractions that become more intense or

do not dissipate, if you feel persistent pain or pressure, or if you have vaginal bleeding.

If you are not sure if you are experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions or true labor, contact your doctor or midwife.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are cyclical tightenings of the abdomen. They indicate that the uterus is preparing for true labor. 

Experts say that most pregnant people experience these contractions during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. The sensation typically comes and goes at irregular times and lasts about 30 seconds each time.

In some ways, Braxton-Hicks contractions feel like true labor. However, there are many differences between the two. For example, unlike labor contractions, Braxton-Hicks contractions are usually painless. Also, Braxton-Hicks contractions do not increase in intensity, but contractions during labor do.

If your contractions cause you concern, contact your obstetrician or midwife for an evaluation.