Braxton Hicks vs. labor contractions: What they feel like

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are named after the physician John Braxton Hicks who alerted the medical community of the phenomenon back in the 1800s [2]. They’re also known as “prodromal” or “false labor pains” [1], and although they’ve been identified for over 200 years, we still don’t know exactly why they happen.

Braxton Hicks contractions are quite common, although it’s completely normal not to experience them at all during your pregnancy as well. Each person experiences them differently, and every pregnancy is unique. You may even feel them during one pregnancy and not another [1].

Usually, Braxton Hicks start during the third trimester within a few weeks of your due date [3]. Remember that your due date is just an estimate (only about 5% of babies are actually born on their due date [9]), and normal labor can start any time between four weeks before and two weeks after that date. With that in mind, it's common to confuse Braxton Hicks with actual labor, especially within the last month or so of your pregnancy.

What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?

You’ll probably feel Braxton Hicks contractions primarily in your uterus or the lower part of your abdomen. They happen when the muscle fibers of the uterus tighten and relax. They usually stay concentrated in that uterine area, and they’ll probably feel like menstrual cramps, which may range from a tightening sensation or a feeling of stiffness, all the way to downright painful [1].

We don’t know exactly why Braxton Hicks happens, but one theory is that your uterus is “practicing” for actual labor. Uterine contractions during labor dilate the cervix and help move the baby through the birth canal. This won’t happen with Braxton Hicks, but the muscles may be “training” themselves for the real deal [1]. This is why they often feel like period cramps, although those serve the different purpose of shedding your uterine lining during your period.

Braxton Hicks contractions vs. labor

Here are a few ways to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks vs contractions associated with labor:

Now that we have a high level overview of the differences between Braxton Hicks and labor contractions, let’s take a closer look at each symptom to better understand what your body may be telling you:

Signs you may be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions

• You’ll feel Braxton Hicks in your uterus, but they may be even more concentrated than that. It may feel like only one muscle is contracting, especially towards the front of your abdomen. 
• These contractions are uncomfortable and unpleasant (they may even take your breath away), but are usually less painful than labor.
• They don’t get more intense over time (they may vary in intensity, but if they’re not getting progressively stronger, it’s probably Braxton Hicks).
• The timing in between Braxton Hicks tends to be irregular. If the timing is consistent, the intervals between contractions don’t shorten as time goes on. 
• Each contraction is unpredictable in terms of length — they vary from about 30 seconds to two minutes. 
• Braxton Hicks contractions typically don’t last for more than one hour and may start to fade faster. 
• They may subside sooner if you move around or change positions. [1]

Signs your contractions may be labor contractions:

• You’ll probably feel labor contractions start in your mid back and wrap around your midline to the abdomen and uterus. They likely won’t be concentrated only in your uterus like Braxton Hicks may be — most people feel them move throughout their entire midsection.
• Labor contractions are quite painful.
• They get more intense the closer you get to delivery.
• The timing in between each contraction will get shorter the closer you get to delivery.
• Each contraction may last either the same amount of time or a bit longer than the previous one. 
• Labor contractions continue as time goes on. 
• They don't stop no matter how you move. [1]

Look out for other signs of labor (like your water breaking or a bloody or brownish discharge called your “bloody show”) to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and labor contractions [3].

What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?

Again, we don’t yet know the exact reason for Braxton Hicks, but may be the body “practicing” and preparing for labor. The contractions don’t fully dilate the cervix, which would mean that you’re going into labor, but they may help soften and prepare the cervix for labor in the future [1].

The contractions also seem to be associated with a few key circumstances that you may find yourself in:

• Dehydration: Braxton Hicks tend to happen when you’re dehydrated. It’s easy to forget to drink enough water throughout the day, but if the contractions are becoming bothersome, try drinking a few big cups of water and seeing if they start to subside [1].
• Sickness: This is also associated with dehydration — if you’re dehydrated from being sick with the cold or the flu and losing a lot of fluids, this may also trigger Braxton Hicks [1].
• Full bladder: We know this seems contradictory (and maybe even a little bit unfair), but Braxton Hicks may also happen if your bladder is a bit too full after drinking all that water! You may already be emptying your bladder often during pregnancy, but as the pregnancy goes on, there is more and more pressure on the bladder, which may cause contractions [1].
• Tiredness at the end of the day: Healthcare providers have noticed that Braxton Hicks contractions are more common towards the end of the day. Carrying around a baby along with life’s everyday responsibilities can be exhausting, so this extra tiredness may also be associated with Braxton Hicks [4]. While it’s generally good to stay active, try to balance it out with plenty of rest — listen to your body and take frequent breaks if you can.
• Enlarged or stretched uterus: Anything that causes the uterus to become enlarged, stretched, or swollen (a condition also called “overdistension” by healthcare providers) during the pregnancy can cause Braxton Hicks contractions. Having twins or triplets, a larger baby, or excess fluid around the baby can all create overdistension of the uterus and thus a higher chance of Braxton Hicks [8].

Aside from those circumstantial conditions that are associated with Braxton Hicks, a few common activities may also trigger the contractions including:

• Exercise during pregnancy or lots of strenuous physical activity [6]
• Sexual activity during pregnancy [1]
• Baby’s movements inside your uterus [6]

These triggers and the conditions are some of the most common theories as to why Braxton Hicks occurs, but overall, we really don’t know exactly what biological processes cause some women to experience them while others don’t. (Fun fact: we also don’t know exactly what biological processes trigger labor to start in general [5].)

Why am I having so many Braxton-Hicks contractions?

If you’re having many Braxton Hicks contractions, you may find some possible explanations in the list above. However, it also may be the case that your body is just doing what it needs to do to prepare for labor. While this may be uncomfortable, it’s a natural part of the birthing process and an exciting sign that the pregnancy is progressing. Do your best to stay calm, remember the differences between Braxton Hicks and labor contractions listed above, and remember that you can always contact your healthcare provider for more information and guidance.

What to do to ease the discomfort of Braxton-Hicks?

If the discomfort of Braxton Hicks is getting to be too much and you’re looking for relief, there are some things you can do to help with almost all of the potential causes mentioned above:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water and try to stay hydrated throughout your pregnancy [1].
2. Boost your immune system: Keep your immune system as strong as possible by eating well and avoiding stress when possible[1].
3. Empty your bladder often: This can help relieve pressure in the abdomen [6].
4. Get plenty of rest: Prioritize sleep and take breaks throughout the day [1].
5. Change positions: If you’ve been sitting in one position still for a while, try switching things up. Maybe even go for a light walk if you’ve been very sedentary [1].
6. Take a soothing bath: Make sure it’s nice and warm (not hot) [6].
7. Enjoy relaxing hobbies: Listen to your favorite music or read a good book [6].
8. Try a support band: Your healthcare provider may suggest getting extra support from a belly band to ease back pain and potentially reduce Braxton Hicks.

When should I call my doctor about Braxton Hicks or pain?

Whenever you feel uncomfortable or unsure about what you’re experiencing during your pregnancy, your healthcare providers can help. Even with the information above, it can still be very difficult to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and labor pains. Your doctors can answer any questions you have about your contractions, so reach out to them if you need clarity, especially if the solutions and methods above don’t seem to be working. 

If this is your first pregnancy and your contractions are happening earlier than the third trimester, or very early in your third trimester, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible, especially if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Fluid leaking from the vagina
• Contractions so strong that you’re not able to walk or talk while they’re happening
• Constant, severe pain
• A change in the movement of the baby, or if there are less than ten movements every 2 hours [1, 3, 4]

These may be signs of preterm labor or other complications. Your healthcare provider can provide further guidance and treatment if needed.

Follow the 5-1-1 rule

While you know your body best, and it never hurts to reach out to your healthcare providers with questions or concerns, it may be helpful to use the 5-1-1 rule as a tool to help determine if you’re having Braxton Hicks vs contractions. Many healthcare professionals will recommend calling to see if it’s time to come to the hospital if you are at least 37 weeks pregnant and your contractions are:

• 5: Happening every five minutes or less
• 1: Lasting at least one minute each
• 1: Have been ongoing for one hour

Again, contact your healthcare provider to confirm and get the care you need, but typically, this 5-1-1 rule indicates that labor has begun or is quickly on its way [7].

Learn more about your pregnancy symptoms with Natural Cycles

There are so many questions and unknowns that come with pregnancy, including Braxton Hicks contractions. Each journey is as unique as the mother and baby themselves, but there are tools and resources available to help you throughout your pregnancy. NC° Follow Pregnancy allows you and a partner to follow along with your baby’s development, track the baby’s movements, and log your symptoms throughout pregnancy. You can also seamlessly switch to NC° Postpartum once the baby is born to help support you during your recovery. See if Natural Cycles can be right for you today.