Braxton-Hicks are real contractions, but they’re not labor contractions.
You’ll most likely feel them in the third trimester, but they can start well before that.
Rest assured, they’re a normal part of pregnancy.
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Some people have a lot more Braxton-Hicks contractions than others.
Potential triggers include exercise, dehydration, or having sex.
d3sign / Getty Images
How Soon Can Braxton-Hicks Contractions Begin?
How Braxton-Hicks Contrations Feel
Acontractionis when the muscles of your uterus get tight and then relax again.
But unlike labor contractions, Braxton-Hicks are irregular in length and interval.
You might have a strong one followed by a weak one.
And though they can be painful, they don’t get progressively stronger and closer together like labor contractions.
Timeline of Braxton-Hicks Contractions
When do Braxton-Hicks start?
The answer is different for every pregnancy.
By week 39, Braxton-Hicks may be more painful and happen more often.
But they still don’t become regular like true labor contractions.
Causes and Risk Factors of More Braxton-Hicks Than Usual
The exact cause is unclear.
The frequency of Braxton-Hicks contractions varies from person to person and from one pregnancy to another.
What Helps Ease Braxton-Hicks Contractions?
They’ll get increasingly stronger and closer together.
As with labor contractions, the abdomen tightens and relaxes, but these are irregular.
They don’t get more intense and closer together.
While they may be preparing your body for delivery, they don’t signify active labor.
Braxton-Hicks can start at any point during pregnancy.
But you’re more likely to notice them in thethird trimester.
They can happen simply because you’re a little dehydrated or physically active.
Unlike labor contractions, Braxton-Hicks may ease up when you change position or rehydrate.
Call a healthcare provider if you’re not sure you’re inlaboror feel something isn’t right.
It’s best to err on the side of caution.
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