Braxton Hicks Contractions or Labor? How To Tell

Braxton Hicks contractions are a natural part of pregnancy, strengthening the uterus muscles in preparation for childbirth. These contractions are incredibly common beginning in the second and third trimesters.

The biggest question when you feel any contractions is: Is this real labor or not? Here’s how to tell the difference and what to do if you’re experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions.

Random Vs. Rhythm

Braxton Hicks contractions occur at random intervals, while normal labor contractions will develop a steady rhythm the longer they persist. Real labor contractions also intensify and occur at increasingly shorter intervals. Recording the time between contractions can help differentiate Braxton Hicks from labor.

No Pain Vs. Pain

Braxton Hicks contractions tend to be painless. If they are painful, the sensation is similar to menstrual cramps. By contrast, labor contractions are painful, and that pain worsens. Braxton Hicks contractions can be alleviated fairly easily, but nothing will make labor pains lessen or disappear.

Location of Pain

Braxton Hicks contractions are felt in front of the belly. You will not feel back pain. If labor is starting, you’ll feel pain in your hips, lower back and cervix. Labor starts with your uterine muscles pushing the baby against your pelvic bone.

Additional Physical Symptoms

Labor comes with a mix of additional physical symptoms. Your water might break, which can vary wildly in what that feels like. For some women, this is a big gush of water. For others, only a small amount of fluid escapes and can be mistaken for a bit of urine. For still others, nothing is felt.

Your mucous plug, which blocks the cervix entrance, will also fall out as the cervix dilates and expands. This plug, which looks like a massive glob of a clearish jelly, is another sign your body is readying for labor.

Sometimes when dilation starts, you may bleed a bit. The amount of blood that seeps from your uterus is far less than a menstrual period. This is normal. If the amount of blood is more than your typical period, that’s abnormal and signals that it’s time to go to the hospital.

None of these physical symptoms occur with Braxton Hicks contractions.

Braxton Hicks Contractions are Normal

All pregnant women experience Braxton Hicks, but studies have yet to find why not everyone feels them. It’s just as common to not notice Braxton Hicks contractions.

The most important thing when experiencing Braxton Hicks is to track the timing of the contractions, note the existence of pain along with any other physical symptoms so that you can tell if you’re in labor or not. If you rule out labor, you can spare yourself a trip to the hospital. If you’re unsure, you can always go to the maternity ward. Once there, a doctor or nurse can perform a physical exam to conclude decisively if the cervix has dilated.

What To Do to Alleviate Braxton Hicks

If you believe that what you’re feeling is Braxton Hicks, you can take action.

• Change your body position. Sit, lie down or simply reposition your body until you find a way of resting that feels comfortable.
• Apply a heating pad.
• Walk or exercise lightly.
• Hydrate. Your uterus, like all muscles, is more likely to cramp when you’re dehydrated.
• Eat a snack. Lower blood sugar levels can cause stress, which, in turn, can trigger contractions.
• Take acetaminophen, which relieves Braxton Hicks, but not labor contractions.

Having Braxton Hicks contractions doesn't mean labor is imminent. You can experience Braxton Hicks months before you start labor. The more that you pay attention to your pregnant body, the more you’ll know what’s normal for you, and what isn’t – and may need to be addressed with your doctor.