What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are mild, irregular contractions of your uterus that typically occur during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Sometimes called “false labor,” they are a normal way that your body prepares to give birth.
Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable but are not usually painful. They’re also not harmful to you or your baby and don’t require medical treatment. Learning the signs can help you know if what you are experiencing is normal and when to call your doctor.
What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?
Braxton Hicks contractions may feel like a tightening sensation or cramps you have during your period; your belly tightens and then relaxes. You usually feel Braxton Hicks contractions in the front of your belly or another specific area.
Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable and sometimes (but not always) painful. They also usually occur sporadically and go away within a short timeframe, typically when you rest, drink water or change position.
Braxton Hicks vs. real contractions
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions. Your doctor can distinguish between the two because real contractions cause your cervix to dilate, a sign you’re about to give birth, while Braxton Hicks contractions do not.
Still, certain differences may help you determine if you’re having Braxton Hicks or real contractions.
Braxton Hicks contractions
- Are unpredictable, lasting from a few seconds up to two minutes
- Cause pain or discomfort in a specific area (usually the front) of your belly or lower back
- Do not increase in frequency
- Go away when you rest, drink water or change position
- May start as early as your second trimester
- Occur at irregular intervals and eventually stop
- Tend to be milder, less intense and less regular than true labor contractions
Real labor contractions
- Are strong and regular
- Cause intense pain that makes it difficult to walk or talk
- Do not go away or become less painful when you rest, hydrate or change positions
- Increase in frequency and intensity as you get closer to delivering your baby
- Last 30 to 90 seconds
- May occur with other symptoms, such as blood discharge or your water breaking
- Start in your lower back or belly and radiate toward the front of your belly
- Usually begin in your third trimester or when your due date is getting close
When do Braxton Hicks contractions start?
Braxton Hicks contractions are thought to start as early as the sixth week of pregnancy, but you likely won’t feel them until the second trimester at the earliest. Most women begin to notice them in the third trimester.
Some women do not notice Braxton Hicks contractions at all. These contractions occur during all pregnancies, but you might not be aware of them.
What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?
Although doctors don’t know what causes Braxton Hicks contractions, they’re thought to help your body prepare for pregnancy.
During a Braxton Hicks contraction, muscles tighten and relax, which helps tone your uterus. The contractions may also help improve blood flow. They cause blood to move to the placenta and deliver oxygen-rich blood to your baby.
Some activities may increase your baby’s need for oxygen, which may trigger the contraction. These may include:
- Being dehydrated
- Having a full bladder
- Having sex
- Actividad física
How to relieve Braxton Hicks contractions
Taking time to rest, relax and drink enough fluid is often enough to ease your contractions. You might find they go away if you change your position or activity level.
If you have been very active, lie down for a nap. If you have been sitting for a long time, you might want to move or take a walk. Be mindful of avoiding potential triggers by:
- Being mindful when you have sex: Most women with healthy pregnancies do not need to avoid sex, but if sex causes uncomfortable contractions, you can wait for the discomfort to pass or try relaxation techniques.
- Drinking water: Drinking plenty of fluid (eight to 12 cups per day) will help you stay healthy during pregnancy. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as dark-colored urine, a dry mouth, or feeling dizzy or faint.
- Engaging in light to moderate exercise: Walking and other moderate-intensity activities are usually safe and can help keep you and your baby healthy. Stop if you experience regular contractions, pain, bleeding, dizziness or shortness of breath.
- Urinating regularly: This can reduce pressure on your bladder.
Find specialized maternity care close to home
Whether it’s determining if you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions or you’re ready to deliver, the compassionate and dedicated OBGYNs at our specialized maternity centers in North and Central Texas are by your side to guide you as your family grows.
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Buda
5330 Paso elevado Rd, Buda, TX, 78610
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin
5245 Carretera estadounidense oeste 290 Carretera de servicio, Austin, Texas, 78735
Clínica de Baylor Scott & White - Lakeway
200 Medical Pkwy, Lakeway, Texas, 78738
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & Centro Médico Blanco - Lakeway
100 Medical Pkwy, Lakeway, Texas, 78738
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Caídas de mármol
810 W State Hwy 71 Marble Falls, TX, 78654
Clínica de Baylor Scott & White - Marble Falls
800 W State Hwy 71 Marble Falls, TX, 78654
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Baylor Scott & Clínica Blanca - Austin North Burnet
2608Brockton Dr, Austin, Texas, 78758
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & Clínica Blanca - Cedar Park
910 East Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, TX, 78613
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Lunes: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Sábado: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Centro Médico Baylor Scott & White - Pflugerville (Edificio 1)
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Edificio 1, Oficina 100, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
Clínica Baylor Scott & White - Centro Médico de Pflugerville (Edificio 1)
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Edificio 1, Oficina 200, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Lunes: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Martes: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Miércoles: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Jueves: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Viernes: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Clínica Baylor Scott & White - Edificio del Centro Médico de Pflugerville 2
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Edificio 2, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & Clínica Blanca - Round Rock 302 Universidad
302 University Blvd., Round Rock, Texas, 78665
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & Centro Médico Blanco - Round Rock
300 University Blvd., Round Rock, Texas, 78665
Clínica de especialidades Baylor Scott & White - Salado
213 Millcreek Dr Ste 190, Salado, TX, 76571
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Clínica especializada Baylor Scott & White - Harker Heights
907 Mountain Lion Cir, Harker Heights, Texas, 76548
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Clínica de especialidades Baylor Scott & White - Killeen Hemingway
2405 S Clear Creek Rd, Killeen, TX, 76549
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Clínica Baylor Scott & White - Brenham Hwy 290
604 EE.UU. 290 Brenham, TX, 77833
- Lunes: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Viernes: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Sábado: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & Clínica Blanca - Temple Professional Plaza II
1713 SW HK Dodgen Loop Bldg II, Ste 100, Temple, TX, 76502
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Clínica Baylor Scott & White - Templo
2401 S 31st St, Temple, TX, 76508
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Templo
2401 S 31st St, Temple, TX, 76508
Clínica Baylor Scott & White - Santa Fe
1402 W Ave H , Temple, TX, 76504
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Lunes: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Martes: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Miércoles: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Jueves: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Viernes: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham
700 Medical Pkwy, Brenham, Texas, 77833
Centro Médico Baylor Scott & White - College Station
700 Dr. Scott y White, College Station, Texas, 77845
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie
800 Dr. Scott y White, College Station, Texas, 77845
- Lunes: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Clínica de obstetricia y ginecología Baylor Scott & White - Waco
120 Edificio de oficinas de Hillcrest Medical Blvd, 2, Ste 201-2, Waco, TX, 76712
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & Centro Médico Blanco - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd, Waco, Texas, 76712
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie
2400 Interestatal norte 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White Women’s Health Specialists - Waxahachie
2460 Interestatal N 35E Ste 165, Waxahachie, TX, 75165
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Obstetricia y Ginecología - Waxahachie
2460 Interestatal N 35E Ste 225, Waxahachie, TX, 75165
- Lunes: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Martes: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Miércoles: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Jueves: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Viernes: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Centro Médico All Saints - Fort Worth
1400 8th Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving
1901 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, Texas, 75061
Baylor University Medical Center, parte de Baylor Scott & White Health
3500 Avenida Gastón, Dallas, TX, 75246
Grupo de Salud de la Mujer Baylor Scott & White
{3600} Gaston Ave Wadley Tower, Ste {1158}, Dallas, TX, {75246}
- Lunes: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Dallas
4020 Calle Junius, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Lunes: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Obstetricia & Gynecology - Grapevine
1631 lancaster dr ste 370, Grapevine, Texas, 76051
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 West College St, Grapevine, Texas, 76051
Baylor Scott y White Park Lane, OB / GYN Associates
9101N Central Expy Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott y White Surgicare - Guirnalda
530 Clara Barton Blvd., calle 100, Garland, TX, 75042
- Lunes: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Obstetricia y Ginecología - Rockwall
1005 w ralph hall pkwy ste 115, rockwall, tx, 75032
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd., Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr, Rowlett, Texas, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Obstetricia y Ginecología - Rowlett
9500 vista al lago pkwy ste 100, rowlett, tx, 75088
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Parkway, Frisco, Texas, 75034
Baylor Scott & White Obstetricia y Ginecología - Frisco
4461 coit rd ste 205, frisco, tx, 75035
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centenario
12505 Líbano Rd, Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco en PGA Parkway
7600 Mejor Camino, Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Frisco en PGA Parkway
16050 Everwell Ln Professional Pavilion I, Ste 200 Frisco, TX, 75033
- Lunes: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Martes: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Miércoles: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Jueves: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Viernes: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 Autopista W University Dr 380 en Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Preguntas frecuentes
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Do Braxton Hicks contractions hurt?
Braxton Hicks contractions can hurt, but most women find they cause more discomfort than pain. These contractions are often compared to mild period cramps.
-
How early can you have Braxton Hicks contractions?
You can have Braxton Hicks contractions as early as the sixth week of your pregnancy, but you probably won’t feel them until your second or third trimesters.
-
How frequently do Braxton Hicks contractions occur?
Braxton Hicks contractions occur at irregular intervals, unlike real labor contractions. They can come every few minutes, but they can also come and go at unpredictable times.
If you’re concerned you may be having real contractions, write down how often your contractions occur. Real contractions get closer and closer together as your body prepares to give birth. Braxton Hicks contractions do not.
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Are Braxton Hicks contractions normal?
Yes, Braxton Hicks contractions are normal. They occur in all pregnancies, but not all women feel them. They usually become more common as you approach your due date.
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Do Braxton Hicks contractions cause dilation?
No, Braxton Hicks contractions do not cause dilation. Only true labor contractions cause your cervix to dilate.
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Can Braxton Hicks turn into real contractions?
No, Braxton Hicks do not turn into real contractions, but they can occur before you go into labor. Braxton Hicks contractions can come and go, but they don’t cause the cervix to dilate, which occurs when labor starts.
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How long can a Braxton Hicks contraction last?
Braxton Hicks contractions can last from a few seconds to up to two minutes. It can be difficult to predict how long they will last.