What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are described as irregular, practice contractions that occur during pregnancy. These contractions typically begin in the second trimester and can increase in frequency as the pregnancy progresses. They serve as a way for the body to prepare for actual labor by toning the uterine muscles, but they do not lead to labor or cervical changes.

Their key characteristic is that they are often infrequent and do not present the same intensity or regularity as true labor contractions. Pregnant individuals may experience these contractions as a tightening in the abdomen, which can help them gauge how their bodies might respond during actual labor. Understanding Braxton Hicks contractions is essential for patients to differentiate between false labor and the genuine onset of labor, thereby reducing unnecessary anxiety as they approach their delivery date.