Braxton Hicks: What Are They, What Do They Feel Like, And Does Everyone Get Them?

So, you’re wondering about Braxton Hicks or maybe you’re even experiencing them and that’s what’s brought you here. Well, don’t worry we’re breaking down everything you need to know, including how to tell if they’re really Braxton Hicks or if you’re actually going into labor. 

What are Braxton Hicks and what do they feel like?

So, let’s break it down. What exactly are Braxton Hicks? Braxton Hicks are often known as false labor pains, which is exactly what they are. During these false labor pains, the womb contracts and relaxes, giving you the sensation that you are having contractions. 

Usually, Braxton Hicks are uncomfortable, but not painful, and whilst both Braxton Hicks and labor contractions thin the cervix, Braxton Hicks won’t lead to delivery. 

Do all pregnant women get Braxton Hicks?

No, not every woman will experience Braxton Hicks contractions. Women who do experience Braxton Hicks typically get them in their third trimester, but they can happen in the second trimester as well. 

Braxton Hicks aren’t necessarily a one-off occurrence and they can happen throughout the later stages of your pregnancy. Many women experience them most regularly in the afternoon or evening after an active day. We’ve outlined the common triggers of Braxton Hicks below, as well as some tools you can use to relieve them. 

What causes Braxton Hicks?

It’s not known why some women get Braxton Hicks, but some of the common triggers include:

• Being dehydrated or overhydrated with a full bladder

• Having sex (to learn more, check out: Is That Safe? Having Sex During Pregnancy)

• Being very active or on your feet a lot 

• You are experiencing stress 

Can you make Braxton Hicks stop or go away?

Unfortunately, there’s no known treatment for Braxton Hicks, but there are some ways to relieve them slightly so you feel more comfortable. These include: 

• Drinking some water to rehydrate (Here’s Exactly How Much Water You Need In Each Trimester) 

• Going for a light walk if you have been sitting for a long time

• Sitting or lying down if you have been active or on your feet for an extended period

• Changing position to relieve any tension you are holding

What’s the difference between Braxton Hicks and labor contractions? 

There are a couple of differentiators between real labor contractions and Braxton Hicks. Signs that you’re having Braxton Hicks (false labor pains) are:

• The contractions don’t get stronger or closer together 

• The contractions come and go and don’t have a regular pattern 

• The contractions go away when you use tools to relieve them, such as drinking water 

• They feel uncomfortable, but not very painful 

Labor contractions, on the other hand, are evenly spaced and get closer together as time goes on, i.e. they may start 5 minutes apart and progress to 3 minutes apart, then 2 minutes, and so on. Real contractions also get more intense and painful as they progress. 

When should you get in touch with your doctor or midwife if you are experiencing Braxton Hicks?

As we said, usually Braxton Hicks contractions aren’t a cause for concern, but you should get in touch with your doctor or midwife if:

• Your contractions don’t ease up 

• Your contractions are getting more painful and are occurring every 10 minutes or less

• You have any vaginal bleeding 

• You have decreased movement in the stomach 

• You are leaking amniotic fluid

Have a question about Braxton Hicks or contractions? Want to know about another pregnancy symptom you’re experiencing? Let us know in the comments!

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