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Braxton Hicks Contractions

Table of Contents


Overview

During the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy, you may notice times when your belly tightens and becomes firm to the touch and then relaxes. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. Think of them as "warm-up" exercises for your uterus.

These contractions may be so mild that you rarely notice them. Or they may be strong enough to make you stop what you are doing.

You may begin to feel Braxton Hicks contractions between the 28th and 30th weeks of your pregnancy. But sometimes they start as early as the 20th week. You most likely will have more of these contractions during your ninth month.

It is often hard to tell the difference between true labor pains and Braxton Hicks contractions, especially in your first pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions:

True labor pains tend to last longer, become stronger, and occur closer together than Braxton Hicks contractions.

If you are not sure what type of contractions you're having, talk to your doctor or midwife.


Credits for Braxton Hicks Contractions

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
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