Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as practice contractions or false labor, are sporadic uterine contractions that occur during pregnancy, but before going into childbirth. They typically begin in the second or third trimester, but they may start as early as the sixth week of pregnancy.
Associated conditions
Braxton Hicks contractions are often mistaken for labor, and are believed to allow the pregnant woman's body to prepare for labor.
- is dehydrated
- has a full bladder
- has just had sexual intercourse
- has been exercising (running, lifting heavy objects)
- is under excessive stress
- has had her belly touched
There are two thoughts for why these intermittent uterine muscle contractions may be occurring. The first is that these early ‘practice contractions’ could be helping to prepare the body for true labor by strengthening the uterine muscle. In 1872, he investigated the later stages of pregnancy and noted that many pregnant women felt contractions without being near birth.