If you’re in your third trimester and feel your abdomen tighten, you’re probably wondering whether it’s time to grab the hospital bag or just drink some water and sit down. The good news is that not every contraction means labor has started. Braxton Hicks contractions are your body’s way of practicing for delivery, and they’re completely normal. Understanding the difference between these “practice” contractions and the real thing can help you feel more confident as your due date approaches.
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular tightening sensations in your uterus that can start as early as the second trimester, though most women notice them during the third. Braxton Hicks contractions flex your uterine muscles as preparation for labor. Some women feel them frequently, while others barely notice them at all.
These contractions tend to be unpredictable. They might show up after a long day on your feet, when you’re dehydrated, or after physical activity. They usually feel like a general tightening across your abdomen rather than intense cramping. Most of the time, they’re more uncomfortable than painful, and they go away when you change positions, rest, or drink water.
How True Labor Contractions Are Different
True labor contractions follow a pattern that Braxton Hicks contractions don’t. They come at regular intervals that gradually get closer together, and each one tends to last longer and feel stronger than the one before it. While Braxton Hicks contractions ease up when you move around or rest, real contractions continue regardless of what you do.
The pain is different, too. True labor contractions often start in your lower back and wrap around to the front of your abdomen. Many women describe the feeling as strong period-like cramping that builds in intensity. As labor progresses, the contractions become hard to talk through, and the breaks between them get shorter.
How to Time Your Contractions
If you think you might be in labor, timing your contractions can give you and your provider helpful information. Use your phone’s clock or a contraction-timing app. Note when each contraction starts, how long it lasts, and how much time passes between the start of one and the start of the next.
A common guideline is the 5-1-1 rule: contractions coming every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. This is a good signal that active labor may be underway. However, your provider may give you specific instructions based on your pregnancy history, so always follow the guidance you’ve been given at your prenatal appointments.
Other Signs That Labor Is Approaching
Contractions aren’t the only clue that your body is preparing for birth. You may notice a few other changes in the days or hours before labor begins. Losing your mucus plug, which looks like thick, sometimes blood-tinged discharge, is one sign that your cervix is starting to change. Your water breaking, whether as a big gush or a slow trickle of fluid, is another clear indicator.
Some women also experience increased pelvic pressure as the baby drops lower into the birth canal, along with lower back pain that doesn’t go away with rest. Loose stools and a general feeling of restlessness are common in the day or two leading up to labor as well.
Simple Tips to Manage Braxton Hicks at Home
If Braxton Hicks contractions are bothering you, there are a few easy things you can try. Drink a full glass of water, since dehydration is one of the most common triggers. Change your position. If you’ve been standing, sit or lie down on your side. If you’ve been sitting for a while, take a short walk. A warm bath can also help your muscles relax.
Staying well-hydrated throughout your pregnancy is one of the best things you can do to reduce the frequency of Braxton Hicks. Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.
When to Call Your OB
There are times when you should contact your provider rather than stay home and rest. Call your OB if your contractions are becoming regular and increasingly painful, if your water breaks, or if you notice bright red bleeding. You should also call if you feel a significant decrease in your baby’s movement, if you have a severe headache or vision changes, or if something just doesn’t feel right.
Trust your instincts. Your care team would always rather hear from you and reassure you than have you wait too long at home.
If you have questions about what to expect as your due date gets closer, the team at Dr. Nader and Associates is here for you. Schedule a prenatal appointment by booking online through Healow or calling (702) 818-1919.
