If you start to feel what may seem like labor pains during your second or third trimester – but well before your due date – don’t panic. It’s probably just Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as false labor pains.

They are nature’s way of getting your body physically ready for the real thing. They typically start at around 20 weeks in a first-time mom. If you’ve been pregnant before, you may experience Braxton Hicks earlier than you did with your first pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks is harmless for you and your unborn baby. Those false labor contractions aren’t strong enough to send you into labor.

Your baby can still move while you’re having contractions. In fact, your baby’s movement may even trigger a false contraction. If you’re wondering if what you’re feeling is Braxton Hicks – or actual labor – call your doctor or healthcare provider. They are quite used to fielding calls on this topic.

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Knowing the difference.

Contractions (which are simply your uterus tightening and then relaxing) that indicate labor is imminent will be regular in frequency, whereas Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and infrequent. Braxton Hicks contractions tend to be mild, come and go and will generally stop if you change positions or get up and walk. The contractions you’ll have when you’re in labor – unfortunately – will not.

Braxton Hicks contractions generally last between 20 seconds and two minutes. Labor contractions will come at regular intervals and may last up to a minute each. The closer you get to delivery, the closer the intervals of contractions. And the more painful they’ll become.

Braxton Hicks contractions, on the other hand, gradually taper off and then stop. Many women describe them as being uncomfortable but not painful, and the discomfort lessens with time. Labor pains get more intense as time goes on.

The telltale sign: A stiff belly.

Braxton Hicks contractions cause your belly to stiffen noticeably. They may feel like the kind of cramps you get with your period. Expect to feel them in the front of your abdomen. (In contrast, you’ll feel labor pains in your tummy, back and/or lower abdomen.) Braxton Hicks contractions aren’t harmful, and they need not derail your day. You can go about your usual activities while having Braxton Hicks contractions. The same can’t be said of the show-stopping contractions you’ll feel during labor.

Why do they happen?

Not everyone feels Braxton Hicks contractions, and doctors don’t know why some pregnant women feel false labor pains and others don’t. Possible reasons for getting them may include being dehydrated, being very active during pregnancy (a good thing!), having a full bladder, someone touching your belly, lifting heavy objects and having sex – which is perfectly safe to do throughout pregnancy. Add link

Some women have Braxton Hicks a few times and then never again. Others might have them beginning in the second trimester and for the duration of the pregnancy.

What to do when they happen.

If you’re having Braxton Hicks contractions and are uncomfortable:

  • Get up and walk if you’ve been sitting for a while.
  • Lie down if you’ve been up and moving around.
  • Drink water; have something to eat.
  • Urinate.
  • Do something relaxing – take a warm bath, for instance.

You may be wondering about the name. Braxton Hicks contractions are named for Dr. John Braxton Hicks (1823-1897), an English physician who was first to describe the false labor pains.