OvuloomWhat Is It?
Braxton Hicks are 'practice contractions' that prepare your uterus for labor. They typically start in the second trimester and become more noticeable in the third. They're irregular, usually painless, and don't cause cervical dilation.
Common Causes
Uterine muscle 'practicing' for labor, dehydration, physical activity, full bladder, sex, or someone touching the pregnant belly. They increase in frequency as the due date approaches.
⚠️ When to See a Doctor
If contractions become regular and increasingly close together (real labor), if they're accompanied by vaginal bleeding, if you have more than 4 in an hour before 37 weeks (preterm labor risk), if your water breaks, or if you have persistent lower back pain.
💡 Tips & Management
Braxton Hicks vs real labor: Braxton Hicks are irregular, stop with rest/hydration, and don't get progressively stronger. Real contractions follow the 5-1-1 rule (5 min apart, 1 min long, for 1 hour). Drink water — dehydration triggers them. Change positions.
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