Recognize Braxton Hicks contractions.

Practical guide

• What are Braxton Hicks contractions and what are they for?
• How to recognize a Braxton Hicks contraction?
• How long and how often are normal?
• How to differentiate a Braxton Hicks contraction from a true working contraction?
• When do they appear and until when can we have them?
• How to Relieve Braxton Hicks Contraction Discomfort?
• When should you worry about your Braxton Hicks contractions?

What are Braxton Hicks contractions and what are they for?

Braxton Hicks contractions, often referred to as "workout contractions", are irregular, usually painless or mildly painful uterine contractions experienced during pregnancy, primarily in the second and third trimesters. These are completely normal and are a form of preparing the body for childbirth.

🧘 Braxton Hicks contractions are essential: they participate in the preparation of the uterine muscle but do not cause any noticeable modification of the cervix.

Also called "false contractions", these sensations can be surprising at first and raise questions about the difference with real labor contractions.

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How to recognize a Braxton Hicks contraction?

This is a question I get asked very often: how do I recognize a Braxton Hicks contraction versus a working contraction? Here are the main signs:

⏲️ They are irregular, do not follow a stable rhythm and do not intensify over time.

🗺️ We often feel a localized sensation of stiffening or hardening of the stomach, often in the upper part, which disappears in a few seconds to minutes.

💤 They often occur during exercise, at the end of the day or after physical activity, and diminish when you change position or rest.

😌 They are generally not very painful, uncomfortable at worst, but do not cause constant pain.

🩺 No blood loss or noticeable change in the cervix.

In my opinion, listening to your body and taking a moment to breathe as soon as your stomach hardens generally allows you to clearly distinguish.

How long and how often are normal?

The duration of a Braxton Hicks contraction varies from person to person, but most last less than 60 seconds. Their frequency varies greatly: it is possible to feel several in the same hour, then nothing for a few days.

🌼 Some people almost never feel these contractions, while others have them almost every day, especially from the second trimester onwards.

Braxton Hicks contractions are inconsistent and do not intensify: they may occur several times a week or every day, but they do not significantly increase in intensity or regularity outside of the start of labor.

How to differentiate a Braxton Hicks contraction from a true working contraction?

Here is a summary table to easily compare:

Characteristics	Braxton Hicks Contractions	Work contracts
Regularity	Irregular, spaced out, inconsistent	Regular, close together
Intensity	Stable or diminishes, discomfort rather than pain	Gradually intensifies; painful
Duration	Short: 30 to 60 seconds generally	Starts at 30 sec and lengthens as work progresses
Effect of rest or change of position	Disappear or diminish	Persistent, not relieved by rest
Modification of the collar	No change	Modification and gradual opening of the cervix
Associated signs	No bloody discharge or loss of fluid	May be accompanied by losses, rupture of the water bag

If in doubt, it is better to consult a health professional or midwife in Quebec.

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When do they appear and until when can we have them?

Most of the time, Braxton Hicks contractions occur as early as the second trimester, sometimes even before without being noticed. They become more common as the third trimester approaches, as the uterus prepares for delivery.

📅 Some people can already feel it from the 16th^th week of pregnancy, others only in the third trimester. If you are expecting twins, they may appear earlier and more frequently.

They generally continue until the start of active labor, but sometimes we continue to feel some of them during the latent phase just before delivery.

Before 24 weeks: often discreet

25 to 35 weeks: frequent but still irregular

36 weeks and more: the body is actively preparing, increased frequency

How to Relieve Braxton Hicks Contraction Discomfort?

Although these contractions are usually mild, they can become bothersome, especially at the end of the day or when you are tired. Here are my gentle tips for taming them:

🤍 Drink water: Dehydration increases the occurrence of irregular contractions; maintaining good hydration helps limit them.

🌬️ Breathe slowly and deeply: Taking a moment of mindfulness helps ease the tension you feel.

🌀 Change position: Sometimes you just need to lie on your side or take a few steps to feel almost immediate relief.

🛁 Warm bath or hot shower: The heat relaxes the uterine muscle and can quickly calm discomfort.

🧘 Ask your birth attendant his favorite relaxation exercises.

I often observe that a simple moment of break in the day, combined with calm breathing, completely transforms the perception of sensations. Don't hesitate to slow down, especially at the end of pregnancy.

If you experience Braxton Hicks contractions frequently, it does not mean a poor pregnancy. It's even proof that your body is doing its preparation work!

Support from a doula or a birth attendant can help demystify this discomfort and feel confident throughout the process.

When should you worry about your Braxton Hicks contractions?

Although they are normal, there are certain signs that should lead you to consult a healthcare professional quickly:

⏰ Contractions become regular, close together (every 5-10 minutes) and prolonged before 37 weeks (confers signs of premature birth).

💧 Loss of clear or pink liquid (suspicion of premature rupture of the water bag).

🩸 Blood loss

🏥 A reduction in the baby's movements

🙁 Persistent abdominal pain or fever

* This article does not replace the advice of your doctor. Always consult the direct opinion of a professional.

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