Braxton Hicks Contractions
Practice contractions that tighten your uterus but don't lead to labor. Common in third trimester, helping your body prepare for birth.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Can start second trimester, become noticeable in third trimester, increase near due date
📊 How Common
Affects most pregnant women, though not all notice them
Overview
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, usually painless tightenings of your uterus that can start as early as the second trimester but become more noticeable in the third. Many women describe them as their belly getting very hard and tight for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
These are your uterus' way of practicing for labor - often called "false labor" or "practice contractions." They help tone the uterine muscle and may even help dilate and efface your cervix slightly in late pregnancy.
While they can be uncomfortable and sometimes confusing (especially for first-time mothers wondering if labor has started), Braxton Hicks contractions are normal and beneficial. Learning to distinguish them from real labor contractions is important.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Does not occur in first trimester
Second Trimester
May begin, but often not noticeable until later
Third Trimester
Common and more intense, especially after 30 weeks
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Normal uterine activity preparing for labor
- •Dehydration triggering contractions
- •Full bladder putting pressure on uterus
- •Physical activity or exercise
- •Sex (orgasm can trigger contractions)
- •Baby's movements
- •Someone touching your belly
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Change positions - lie down if standing, stand up if lying
- ✓Drink 2-3 glasses of water (dehydration can trigger them)
- ✓Take a warm bath or shower to relax uterine muscles
- ✓Practice deep breathing and relaxation
- ✓Empty your bladder - a full bladder can trigger contractions
- ✓Rest if they occur after physical activity
- ✓Try gentle walking to see if they stop
- ✓Focus on something else - distraction often helps
- ✓Stay well-hydrated throughout the day
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Contractions become regular and increase in frequency
- ⚠Contractions become increasingly painful
- ⚠More than 4-6 contractions per hour
- ⚠Contractions accompanied by vaginal bleeding
- ⚠Fluid leakage (water breaking)
- ⚠Severe pain or pressure in pelvis or low back
- ⚠Before 37 weeks and contractions are regular (possible preterm labor)
- ⚠Change in baby's movement pattern
Related Symptoms
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: