“This is it! I’m going into labor!” That’s what you may think when you feel your abdomen tighten up repeatedly over a short period of time. Show
So, before you grab your bag and head to the hospital, learn how to know when you’re having Braxton Hicks contractions and when you should call your doctor. However, there’s a good chance you’re experiencing false labor, more commonly known as Braxton Hicks contractions. In my experience working with pregnant women, almost all of them will feel Braxton Hicks contractions at some time during their pregnancy. They are named for the English doctor who first described them in 1872. After Dr. John Braxton Hicks noted that many of his patients felt contractions but were not actually in labor, he studied the phenomenon to help clear up the confusion. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.on September 27, 2021 Latest update:See moreAlita Ong/Stocksy  Practice contractions, called Braxton Hicks, can start midway through your pregnancy and continue until the end. Here's how to tell the difference between these false labor contractions and the real thing. Back to Top In This Article
How do you get to labor and delivery? Practice, practice, practice. You might not be ready for the baby just yet (still haven't picked out that nursery color?), but your body is certainly gearing up for the big day — and you're reminded of that each time you feel your uterus tightening up. What are Braxton Hicks contractions?Braxton Hicks contractions are a bit like a dress rehearsal: Your uterine muscles are flexing in preparation for the big job they'll have to do in the near future. Keep in mind that while they can be hard to distinguish from the real thing, they're not efficient enough to push your baby out the way actual labor contractions are. What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?Braxton Hicks contractions start as an uncomfortable but painless tightening that begins at the top of your uterine muscles and spreads downwards. They cause your abdomen to become very hard and strangely contorted (almost pointy). Once you get closer to your estimated due date, they will become more frequent and intense. If you're a novice mom-to-be in your first pregnancy, you may not notice them as much (or even at all) or wind up feeling them as intensely as those who are pregnant for the second time. But even first-timers are sometimes aware of them. When do Braxton Hicks contractions start?Braxton Hicks contractions can begin any time after week 20 of pregnancy in the second trimester, though they're more noticeable in later months, in the third trimester. They'll increase starting around week 32 all the way until real labor starts. What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?Your pregnancy hormones are hard at work, sending messages to your body to slowly start the process of childbirth. How long do Braxton Hicks contractions last?Braxton Hicks contractions generally only last between 15 and 30 seconds, though they can be as long as two minutes. Continue Reading Below Read This NextSigns of Labor Delivering in a Hospital: What All Moms Need to Know Labor Contractions: What Do Contractions Feel Like? Signs of Labor Delivering in a Hospital: What All Moms Need to Know Labor Contractions: What Do Contractions Feel Like? What is false labor?False labor is literally just that — the sensation that you’re going into labor when you aren't really, complete with uterine contractions usually in the form of Braxton Hicks that catch you off guard. What are the signs of false labor?In general, false labor signs include:
True vs. false labor: How can you tell the difference?To help you distinguish between true and false labor, which usually means Braxton Hicks contractions, look for the following signs of each to see what you might be experiencing if you're not sure. The difference is usually connected to the frequency, intensity and location of the contractions. True labor
False labor
Is it normal to have no Braxton Hicks contractions?Having no Braxton Hicks contractions is completely normal, and it won't be a problem when it comes time to deliver your baby. Some pregnant women, especially first-timers, don't notice their Braxton Hicks. Others may not know what they are when they do feel them. While they're quite intense in some women, especially those who've had a baby before, they can be so mild in others (just a slight tightening of the abdomen) that they're overlooked. In any case, don't worry if you're not experiencing Braxton Hicks, as you simply may not be tuned in to them, or you may get them later in your pregnancy. Some women feel Braxton Hicks in the second trimester, others in the third. Once you get closer to your due date, they can become stronger and more frequent (though not always!). Regardless, feel free to check in with your doctor to get your questions answered and for reassurance that all is humming along normally. What you can do about Braxton Hicks contractions
When to call the doctorDon’t hesitate to call your health care provider if you feel uncomfortable, concerned or unsure about any pre-labor or pregnancy symptoms (or lack thereof) or don't know whether what you're feeling are labor contractions or Braxton Hicks. Labor signs can be confusing, and preterm labor can be particularly tricky to pinpoint, so it’s always best to talk to your doctor or midwife. If your practitioner tells you to come in, it might turn out to be a false alarm and an unnecessary trip — but you’d be far from the only mom-to-be who’s gone to the doctor's or hospital thinking she was in labor when she wasn't. Pre-labor can last for a few hours or a month or more, and signs and symptoms can be different for every person (and every pregnancy). Since it isn't always easy to tell whether you're in labor on your own, get your practitioner’s help. That’s what she’s there for. And sooner or later, you’ll hear those magic words: "This baby is on the way!"From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy. When does false labor start?Not all contractions that occur during the final weeks of pregnancy are a sign of labor. We typically refer to these as "false labor." False labor is characterized by contractions that come and go with no pattern or consistency, usually in the last two to four weeks before your due date.
What are the false labor pains called?Chances are, you're having Braxton Hicks contractions, which are getting your body ready for the big event. Also known as false labor, Braxton Hicks contractions are uncomfortable, but they don't induce labor.
How often does false labor happen?False Labor Signs
These contractions might come and go, but they're usually less than every 5 minutes and do not become more frequent.
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