Braxton Hicks contractions are false labor contractions you can have during pregnancy. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks are irregular in frequency, less intense and usually go away if you change positions. They’re your body’s way of getting ready for labor, but they don’t mean labor is coming.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Braxton Hicks contractions are a tightening sensation you may feel before labor begins. You can think of them like “practice” contractions. They might begin in your second or third trimester, and they’re perfectly normal. Braxton Hicks are your body’s way of getting ready for real labor.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Braxton Hicks contractions can feel like mild menstrual cramps or random tightness in your abdomen. They can be uncomfortable, but you should be able to talk and walk when you have one.
Unlike real labor, Braxton Hicks:
No one knows why some get Braxton Hicks and others don’t. Some healthcare providers think they help soften and thin your cervix. What providers know is that they happen when your uterus is getting ready for labor.
Some things that may trigger them are:
Braxton Hicks can start as early as the second trimester. Not everyone gets them, though.
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, unpredictable and never get intensely painful. They come and go at random intervals and ease up when you change positions or take a walk.
On the other hand, real labor contractions will come at more regular intervals and last closer to 60 seconds each. They’ll gradually feel more painful and get closer together. Talking and walking will become difficult.
This chart can help you determine if your contractions are Braxton Hicks or actual labor:
Advertisement
Questions To Ask | Braxton Hicks | Real Labor |
---|---|---|
How often do the contractions occur? | Contractions are irregular. They don’t get closer together. | Consistently stronger and closer together. |
How long do they last? | Varying amounts. | Between 30 to 90 seconds. |
Do they change if you move? | Walking or changing positions makes them stop. | The contractions don’t change or get worse when you walk or shift positions. |
How strong are the contractions? | They vary, but you’re still able to walk, talk and go about your day. | They get stronger and more intense. Talking or walking is difficult. |
Where is the pain felt on your body? | In the front of your belly. | In your cervix, belly or lower back. Pain can be felt throughout your body. |
What other symptoms of labor are present? | Usually, none. | Your water may break, or you might have a bloody show or lose your mucus plug. |
Questions To Ask | ||
How often do the contractions occur? | ||
Braxton Hicks | ||
Contractions are irregular. They don’t get closer together. | ||
Real Labor | ||
Consistently stronger and closer together. | ||
How long do they last? | ||
Braxton Hicks | ||
Varying amounts. | ||
Real Labor | ||
Between 30 to 90 seconds. | ||
Do they change if you move? | ||
Braxton Hicks | ||
Walking or changing positions makes them stop. | ||
Real Labor | ||
The contractions don’t change or get worse when you walk or shift positions. | ||
How strong are the contractions? | ||
Braxton Hicks | ||
They vary, but you’re still able to walk, talk and go about your day. | ||
Real Labor | ||
They get stronger and more intense. Talking or walking is difficult. | ||
Where is the pain felt on your body? | ||
Braxton Hicks | ||
In the front of your belly. | ||
Real Labor | ||
In your cervix, belly or lower back. Pain can be felt throughout your body. | ||
What other symptoms of labor are present? | ||
Braxton Hicks | ||
Usually, none. | ||
Real Labor | ||
Your water may break, or you might have a bloody show or lose your mucus plug. |
It might be helpful to time your contractions. Write down how much time it takes from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Pay attention to how much pain you feel. Do this for about an hour.
No. Braxton Hicks mean your body is preparing for labor, but they don’t mean labor is starting. You can have them weeks or months before real labor begins.
There are a few things you can do to feel more comfortable during Braxton Hicks contractions:
You shouldn’t worry about Braxton Hicks contractions. They’re normal and common. It might help to track the intensity of the pain, as well as the frequency and duration of your contractions. This can help you and your healthcare provider determine if it’s the “real thing” or Braxton Hicks.
Your healthcare provider is available any time to answer your questions and ease your concerns about whether your contractions are signs of true labor. Don’t be afraid to call your provider if you aren’t sure what you’re feeling. Your provider might ask you some questions to help determine if you’re in labor.
You should call them at any time if you have:
You’ve been waiting for months. So, when those first cramps hit, it’s normal to wonder, “Is this it?” It might be tempting to grab your hospital bag, but Braxton Hicks contractions are more like the movie trailer, not the full film. Your body’s just giving you a taste of what’s to come.
Learning the difference between these “practice” contractions and the real deal can really help. Try writing down when they start and how long they last. This information can give you and your healthcare provider some helpful clues as to which it is.
Not sure if it’s game time? Don’t stress. Reach out to your provider and tell them what your contractions feel like. It’s always okay to be safe rather than sorry. They’re there to support you every step of the way.
Advertisement
Your Ob/Gyn is there for you throughout many different parts of your life. At Cleveland Clinic, our experts can help you throughout your entire journey.
Last reviewed on 07/08/2025.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.