WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Preparing for Braxton Hicks Contractions

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
Braxton Hicks Contractions: Understanding, Differentiating, and Finding Comfort!
During your pregnancy, you may experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are a normal part of the journey towards motherhood.
These contractions may feel like tightening across your belly and serve to prepare your body for giving birth.
What are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as 'false' or 'practice' contractions, can be identified by the feeling of tightening or pressure in your abdomen.
They occur during pregnancy and come and go irregularly.
These contractions serve to tone the muscles in your uterus, preparing your body for childbirth.
It's essential to remember that Braxton Hicks contractions do not cause labour and are not an indication that labour has commenced.
If you're uncertain whether you're experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions or actual labour, it's best to reach out to your doctor or midwife.
How Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel?
Braxton Hicks contractions feel like the muscles across your belly are tightening.
They generally last for about 30 seconds, although they can extend up to 2 minutes. While they might be uncomfortable, they are usually not painful.
When Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Occur?
Braxton Hicks contractions can occur from early in your pregnancy, but you may not feel them until the second trimester.
They are most frequently experienced in the third trimester.
As you progress in your pregnancy, you may notice Braxton Hicks contractions becoming more frequent.
Distinguishing Braxton Hicks from Labour Pain
It's crucial to understand the differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labour contractions.
Here are some points to consider:
Braxton Hicks Contractions:
  • Don't open or dilate your cervix.
  • Usually last about 30 seconds.
  • Can be uncomfortable but are usually not painful.
  • Come and go at irregular intervals.
  • Occur no more than once or twice an hour, a few times a day until late in your pregnancy.
  • Tend to stop if you change position, activity, go for a walk, or have a warm bath or shower.
Real Labour Contractions:
  • Open or dilate your cervix.
  • Last 30 to 70 seconds.
  • Are painful and require your full attention.
  • Become very regular and get closer together as time passes.
  • Increase in duration over time.
  • Intensify or occur more frequently when you walk.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact your doctor or midwife or go to the hospital if:
  • Your waters break.
  • You experience contractions that are getting stronger, closer together, and more regular.
If you're less than 37 weeks pregnant, contractions might indicate premature labour.
Immediately contact your doctor or midwife if you feel pain, pressure, or discomfort in your pelvis, abdomen (tummy), or lower back.
It's essential to contact your doctor or midwife immediately if you experience:
  • Persistent pain in your abdomen (tummy).
  • Vaginal bleeding.
  • Concerns about your baby's movements.
  • Feel very unwell.
Easing Discomfort from Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions usually do not require treatment, but if you feel uncomfortable, you can try the following methods to find relief:
  • Lying Down or Changing Positions: Change your position or lie down to ease the discomfort.
  • Taking a Walk: Gentle walking can provide relief.
  • Relaxing in a Warm Bath: Enjoy a warm bath to soothe your body.
  • Having a Massage: A gentle massage may help you relax.
  • Staying Hydrated: Drink enough water to stay hydrated.
  • Urinating (Weeing): Emptying your bladder can alleviate discomfort.
Practicing breathing exercises during Braxton Hicks contractions might also be beneficial.
Remember, your healthcare provider is your best source of advice and support during your pregnancy journey.
Don't hesitate to reach out to them if you have any concerns or uncertainties. Wishing you a smooth and comfortable pregnancy!
V
Vanah
23 Jan 2024

What’s the difference between Braxton hicks & contractions? Pain wise/how do they feel? 🤔 I didn’t have any for my oldest

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Tiyla Banks
They ball up and I feel it like Very light cramps & nerve pain in the pelvic area they go away when you drink water or change positions .... Real Contractions last longer ( like 1 min or longer) and come every 5 minutes and they Make the whole stomach contract and hurt and it's way more intense!
27 Mar 2024

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Vanah
Thank you! That helps a lot (:
27 Mar 2024

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Amanda
21 Dec 2023

38 weeks and no contractions, no broken water , no Braxton hicks in site …. 😫

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9 comments
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Shiana
I’ll be 38weeks this Saturday & sameeee😫 i don’t want him coming until after the 30th anyways but no contractions no loss of mucus plug or etc so I think lil man is gonna b stubborn and not even wanna come on his due date
27 Mar 2024

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Mesha
Same 🥴🤷🏽‍♀️ I’m getting induced at 39wks tho, just hope it won’t b a long induction
27 Mar 2024

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Saria
2 Oct 2023

Has anyone started experiencing Braxton hicks contractions I think I have all day but I’m not sure

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Rachel🩵
Yes ma’am
27 Mar 2024

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Shawanna
Well I just turn 23 week today so not yet
27 Mar 2024

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Beverly
17 Aug 2023

Had anybody else experience contractions at 14 weeks I believe they are called Braxton Hicks? They said it was normal and just my body preparing me for when it is time to have my little baby. ❤️

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6 comments
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Rahdearra Johnson
Yeah. They can happen at any point. Of every nervous about it just let your OB know.
27 Mar 2024

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Nicole
I got them but as you get further along your in for a ride lol. I’ll be 31 weeks on Sunday and this lil girl is already starting to kick my crotch then the Braxton hicks come on even more intense lol. This is my 2nd baby so it’s been a hot min experiencing all this again like almost 13 years apart lol.
27 Mar 2024

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Niya
6 Jul 2023

having contractions 4-7 mins apart. could these be braxton hicks? mind you i’ve had this feeling for days

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5 comments
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Alicia
Definitely not braxton hicks.
27 Mar 2024

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Nisha.Nish
I’d definitely go to the hospital. I was having the same problem at 32 weeks found out I had dilated 1 cm and what I thought was Braxton Hicks was real contractions. They gave me medication to stop the contractions and also been on bed rest in the hospital since.
27 Mar 2024

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anita
16 Jun 2023

Are Braxton Hicks contractions located in your lower abdomen, top abdomen, or both?

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Caliann
I would say both because Braxton Hicks contraction include: The front of your belly gets hard or tight in the upper abdomen, then spreads downwards.
27 Mar 2024

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Victoria
6 May 2023

How long did it take for your guy’s Braxton hicks turn to real contractions and how did u know?

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Rodricka
Braxton hicks aren't as painful as the real ones when the real one come baby grab you mate and just squeeze his hand Hella hard cause they hurt like u wanna take the baby out ur self
27 Mar 2024

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Christina
I've had braxton hicks since 24 wks I'm now 28 and still having them would like to know as well
27 Mar 2024

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La’Kevia
25 Feb 2023

Have y’all been feeling “ Braxton Hicks Contractions “ yet ?? I have for a while now feel like mild cramps

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8 comments
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Kaila
Honestly I think I felt them a bit last week, sometimes here & there I feel something strange on like the side of my area, honestly I’m not sure if it’s them or the baby but it’s a little low to be the baby 🤣 but it doesnt even hurt.. feels strange
27 Mar 2024

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Kashmirs Mommy ❤️
Not yet for me but you’ll definitely know your stomach will get really tight and go rock hard
27 Mar 2024

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Shay
6 Nov 2022

34 weeks and I’m ready for this baby to walk on out. Braxton hicks contractions 24 hours straight 😖

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6 comments
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Shaina
Me also but they keep sending me home 🤦🏽‍♀️
27 Mar 2024

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Shay
Me too, so it’s like I refuse to go back up there until I indeed can’t handle the pain
27 Mar 2024

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Nyny
3 May 2022

I haven’t been feeling any Braxton hicks or contractions lollll is that a bad thing? #36weeks

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5 comments
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Rica
I don’t even know what they are suppose to feel like.
27 Mar 2024

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Nyny
Me neither omg
27 Mar 2024

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