Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are also called false alarms of labor. You can feel them early on in your pregnancy, but usually most moms won’t feel them until mid to late pregnancy.😃  

Braxton Hicks contractions

🤰What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are mild and sporadic contractions that you probably won’t notice until mid to late pregnancy.🤰 They feel like tightness in your abdomen, typically last less than 30 seconds, then go away. They are uncomfortable but rarely painful.😃 

Since Braxton Hicks contractions are often mistaken for early signals of preterm labor, you should not make any diagnosis yourself just to be safe.🙅‍♀️ You should consult with your doctor👩‍⚕️ if you experience abdominal pain that doesn’t get better even after you rest. More regular and stronger contractions accompanied with vaginal bleeding as you approach your due date are also warning signs of possible preterm labor.⚠️ 

🤰What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?

The exact cause of Braxton Hicks contractions is unknown but you can think of them as a practice before your true labor.🤔 You will notice them more clearly when you’re dehydrated or have a full bladder, or after having sex or doing physical activities. 

The difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor

🤰Pattern

Braxton Hicks contractions often appear sporadically and don’t get closer together. True labor signals come at regular intervals and get closer together over time.🧐 

🤰Duration

Braxton Hicks contractions are weak, rarely causing any pains and lasting shortly. True contractions last 30 to 90 seconds.⏱️ 

🤰Position

Braxton Hicks contractions occur in the front of your abdomen. However, real contractions feel like they start in the back and gradually progress to the front.🤰  

🤰Change

Braxton Hicks contractions stop when you change your position.🚶 True labor contractions continue despite position changes and intensify over time.