Determining the Normal Onset of Braxton Hicks Contractions in Pregnancy

Braxton Hicks contractions can begin as early as the second trimester, but they are most commonly felt from about 20 weeks, and more often in the third trimester.

Timing

Braxton Hicks contractions can start as early as the second trimester (around 6 weeks, though they aren’t felt). Most women notice them in the third trimester.

What they feel like

Irregular tightening, painless or mildly uncomfortable, that fades with rest or water.

Vs real labor

Labor contractions get stronger, longer and closer together.

Relief

Change position, drink water and rest.

Call your provider

If you have more than 4 to 6 an hour before 37 weeks, bleeding or fluid leak.

Timing and feel

Braxton Hicks contractions can start as early as the second trimester, around 20 weeks, but most women notice them in the third trimester. They feel like a tightening of the belly lasting 30 to 60 seconds (up to 2 minutes), often irregular and not increasing in strength.

• They are sometimes called practice contractions. Triggers include dehydration, a full bladder, activity, sex and being touched.
• They tend to ease with rest, hydration and a change of position.
• Real labor contractions grow stronger, closer together and regular, and do not stop with rest.

When to call

Use the 5-1-1 rule: contractions about every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour. Call the provider if contractions come before 37 weeks at 4 or more per hour, with fluid leaking, bleeding, severe pain, or reduced baby movement. Drinking water, resting on the left side, warm baths and breathing often relieve Braxton Hicks. ACOG advises contacting a provider if unsure.

Timing and feel

Braxton Hicks contractions can begin as early as the second trimester, around 20 weeks, but are most often felt in the third trimester. They feel like tightening that comes and goes, irregular and not increasing.

When to call

Call a provider for contractions that become regular (more than 4 in an hour before 37 weeks), painful, with fluid leakage, bleeding or decreased baby movement.

When contractions start

Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions that can begin as early as the second trimester, around 20 weeks, though most people notice them in the third trimester. They feel like a tightening of the belly lasting 30 to 60 seconds, up to 2 minutes, are irregular and do not get closer together.

Telling them from labor

Braxton Hicks usually ease with rest, water or a position change. True labor contractions come regularly, get stronger and closer, and do not stop. Call your provider for contractions before 37 weeks that come more than four to six times in an hour, as they may signal preterm labor, and for bleeding, fluid leaking or reduced baby movement. The common 5-1-1 rule means contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour. Dehydration, activity and a full bladder can trigger them.

Based on data from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Mayo Clinic