What Do Braxton Hicks Feel Like? Understanding the False Labor Pains During Pregnancy

Your pregnancy frequently feel like a rollercoaster ride filled with various changes and experiences, one of which is Braxton Hicks contractions. Often referred to as "false labor" pains, these contractions are a common occurrence in the third trimester and a topic of interest and confusion for many expectant mothers. They are present in all pregnancies, however each woman's experience is different.

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are defined as mild, irregular contractions that occur during pregnancy. They are a normal part of the pregnancy process, preparing the uterus for the actual labor. They are referred to many times as "practice for labor". Unlike real labor contractions, Braxton Hicks do not indicate that the labor process has begun. These contractions are your body's way of preparing for the big day, serving as a kind of rehearsal for the uterine muscles​.

Experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions

The sensation of Braxton Hicks contractions can vary from woman to woman. Generally, they are described as a tightening in the abdomen. This tightening can range from mild discomfort to a strong sensation, causing the abdomen to become very hard. Some compare the feeling to menstrual cramps, while others describe it as a more intense tightness. The experience can also include the abdomen becoming oddly contorted or the sensation of the baby "balling up".

Characteristics of Braxton Hicks contractions

One of the key characteristics of Braxton Hicks contractions is their irregularity. Typically, these contractions last less than 30 seconds and are uncomfortable but not painful. As the due date approaches, these contractions may occur more frequently and become stronger, but they do not lead to labor. This irregularity and the lack of a consistent pattern help differentiate Braxton Hicks from true labor contractions​.

Distinguishing Braxton Hicks from real labor

Distinguishing between Braxton Hicks and real labor contractions can be challenging. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and do not get closer together over time. They often stop with movement or changes in position, unlike real labor contractions, which are more regular, last longer, and become progressively stronger and closer together​.

Generally speaking Braxton Hicks contractions can be distinguished for real labor by:

1. They are mostly irregular: Braxton Hicks contractions are typically irregular and do not develop a consistent pattern while real labor contractions occur at regular intervals and become more frequent and predictable over time​​.

2. They might be less intense and less painful: Braxton Hicks contractions are generally less painful and are described as a tightening or discomfort in the abdomen. On the other hand, real labor contractions are more intense and painful, often described as a wave-like sensation that starts in the back and moves to the front​​.

3. They are usually short in duration: Braxton Hicks contractions usually last for short durations and do not get progressively longer, stronger, or closer together. Real labor contractions, however, typically last longer, grow stronger, and occur closer together as labor progresses​.

4. Their intensity changes as you move: Braxton Hicks contractions often subside with changes in activity or position. For example, they may decrease or stop altogether when walking, resting, or changing position. In contrast, real labor contractions persist and intensify regardless of movement or position changes​.

5. They do not effect the cervix: While real labor contractions lead to changes in the cervix, causing it to dilate and efface in preparation for childbirth,  Braxton Hicks contractions do not typically cause significant cervical changes, which can be confirmed by a healthcare provider through an examination.

6. They manifest mostly in the front: Braxton Hicks contractions are often felt only in the front of the abdomen. Real labor contractions tend to be more intense and can be felt all over the abdomen, often radiating to the lower back and pelvis.

What can you do about Braxton Hicks contractions?

Managing Braxton Hicks contractions involves a few simple strategies that can help alleviate discomfort and distinguish them from real labor contractions. Here are some suggestions:

1. Change position or what you are doing: Often, Braxton Hicks contractions will subside or stop when you change your position or activity. If you're sitting, try walking around. If you're moving a lot or doing pelvic floor exercises, take a break and rest​​.

2. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions, so it's important to drink plenty of water. Staying well-hydrated can help reduce the frequency of these contractions​.

3. Practice relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, hypnobirthing, or other relaxation methods can help alleviate the discomfort associated with Braxton Hicks contractions. These techniques are also beneficial for stress reduction, which can, in turn, reduce the frequency of these contractions​. Perhaps there is an essential oil that can help you relax better?

4. Take a Warm Bath: A warm bath can help relax your muscles and may reduce the occurrence of Braxton Hicks contractions. However, it's important to keep the water temperature moderate and avoid overheating​. Read more about water births.

5. Empty your bladder: A full bladder can sometimes trigger Braxton Hicks contractions. Regularly emptying your bladder can help reduce their frequency​.

6. Use a maternity belt: Some women find relief from Braxton Hicks contractions by using a maternity support belt, which can help take some of the pressure off your abdomen​.

7. Rest and take it easy: Sometimes, simply resting and taking it easy can help calm Braxton Hicks contractions. If you've been very active, slowing down a bit might reduce their frequency​.

When to be concerned about Braxton Hicks

While Braxton Hicks contractions are generally normal, you should seek medical advice if they become very painful, if you experience unusual symptoms, or if you're unsure whether you're experiencing Braxton Hicks or true labor contractions. Seeking medical help is crucial in certain situations. Here are scenarios when it's important to contact a healthcare provider:

1. Increased frequency and intensity: If the Braxton Hicks contractions become more frequent, intense, or form a regular pattern, it could be a sign of true labor starting, particularly if this occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy​​.

2. Painful contractions: While Braxton Hicks contractions are typically painless or only mildly uncomfortable, if you experience painful contractions, it's important to get medical advice to rule out preterm labor or other complications​.

3. Any bleeding or unusual discharge: Vaginal bleeding or spotting, or a significant change in vaginal discharge (especially if it's watery, bloody, or mucus-like), should prompt immediate medical attention​.

4. Change in baby's movements: A noticeable decrease in your baby's movements or a significant change in the pattern of movements should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

5. Any signs of preterm labor: Symptoms like regular contractions before 37 weeks, pressure in the pelvis, lower back pain, cramps that resemble menstrual cramps, and abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea require immediate medical attention as they could indicate preterm labor​.

6. Unresolved discomfort: If the discomfort from Braxton Hicks contractions does not subside with home remedies (like changing position, resting, or staying hydrated), it's a good idea to consult your healthcare provider.

7. Overall concerns: If you have any concerns or doubts about what you're experiencing, it’s always safer to err on the side of caution and seek medical advice. It's important to trust your instincts and get the reassurance or care you need.

Importance of birth preparation

Braxton Hicks contractions are a normal and common part of pregnancy. Understanding these contractions through birth preparation education and learning how to manage them can help expectant mothers prepare for real labor and differentiate between false alarms and the actual onset of labor. It could be a good idea to enroll in a labor preparation course where you can learn about the best ways to prepare for labor - from learning about the anatomy (e.g. the perineum), birth preparation techniques (such as perineal massage, perineal stretching, prenatal yoga, and how to prevent tearing during childbirth), to what to put in your hospital bag, to and labor strategies (managing pain without an epidural)

Always remember that each pregnancy is unique, and what is normal for one person might not be for another. Regular prenatal check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

Always consult with a healthcare provider when in doubt to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Sources and more information:
Cleveland clinic
BabyCenter
Pubmed