Everything You Need to Know About Braxton Hicks Contractions

Pregnancy is chock-full of new bodily experiences, some more pleasant than others. Of course, feeling your little one kick for the first time and hearing the heartbeat during an ultrasound are magical for soon-to-be parents, but dealing with something like Braxton Hicks pains can be incredibly nerve-racking. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Braxton Hicks pains are due to the “sporadic contractions and relaxation of the uterine muscle.” And while these specific sharp pains don’t mean the labor process has officially begun, they can still be uncomfortable.

If you’re a soon-to-be parent, read ahead to get all the answers to your questions about Braxton Hicks contractions. However, be sure to consult a medical professional if you are currently in pain or have further questions personal to your pregnancy.

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When Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Start?

Often referred to as “false labor pains,” Braxton Hicks contractions are considered to be a normal part of pregnancy and can start as early as six weeks gestation. But usually, they can’t be felt until the second or third trimester of the pregnancy. “Braxton Hicks contractions tend to increase in frequency and intensity near the end of the pregnancy,” the NCBI website says. “Women often mistake Braxton Hicks contractions for true labor.”

Where Do You Feel Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Although the sensation can be unfamiliar and uncomfortable, Braxton Hicks are normally felt in one specific area. According to NCBI, false labor pains are often only felt in the front of the abdomen. A soon-to-be parent who is in true labor would also experience contractions and pain “in the midback and wrap around the abdomen towards the midline.”

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What Causes Braxton Hicks?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, some midwives and doctors believe Braxton Hicks pains tone the uterus and prepare work to provide blood flow to the placenta. There isn’t one specific reason Braxton Hicks contractions may occur, but many people experience them under the following circumstances:

• When the pregnant parent or the baby is very active
• If someone touches the growing bump
• When the bladder is full
• After sex
• When dehydrated

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Braxton Hicks vs. Real Contractions

While it can be hard to distinguish between true labor and Braxton Hicks contractions, keep in mind that false labor pains are felt in the abdomen region, and they come and go. “These contractions do not get closer together, do not increase in how long they last or how often they occur, and do not feel stronger over time,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. “They often come with a change of position and stop with rest.”

On the other hand, true labor pains can vary from person to person. In general, true labor pains can last anywhere between 30 and 70 seconds and will continue from there, despite changing positions or resting. “The way a contraction feels is different for each woman and might feel different from one pregnancy to the next,” the Cleveland Clinic’s website says. “Labor contractions cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Some women might also feel pain in their sides and thighs. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps, while others describe them as strong waves that feel like diarrhea cramps.”