Locations:

Braxton Hicks Contractions

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.

Overview

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

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:

  • Are irregular
  • Don’t get stronger or closer together
  • Don’t dilate (open) your cervix

Possible Causes

What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?

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:

  • Being dehydrated
  • Being very active
  • Having to pee
  • Having sex
  • Lifting something heavy

What week do they start?

Braxton Hicks can start as early as the second trimester. Not everyone gets them, though.

How can I tell if they’re Braxton Hicks or real contractions?

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
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.

Do they mean labor is near?

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.

Care and Treatment

What can I do to help Braxton Hicks contractions?

There are a few things you can do to feel more comfortable during Braxton Hicks contractions:

  • Take a walk or move if you’ve been sitting for a long time
  • Lie down and rest if you’ve been moving
  • Drink water (and stay hydrated)
  • Eat a snack
  • Go pee (an empty bladder can help)
  • Do something relaxing, like taking a bath, reading a book or getting a prenatal massage

When should I worry?

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.

Care at Cleveland Clinic

When To Call the Doctor

When should I call my healthcare provider?

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:

  • Bright red vaginal bleeding
  • Continuous leaking of fluid or wetness, or a gush of fluid
  • Strong contractions less than five minutes apart for one hour
  • Contractions that you’re unable to walk or talk through
  • A noticeable change in your baby’s movement

A note from Cleveland Clinic

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

Care at Cleveland Clinic

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.

Medically Reviewed

Last reviewed on 07/08/2025.

Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.

Ad
Appointments 216.444.6601