What are Braxton Hicks?
Training contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, can start sometime after 20 weeks. Everybody has them, but not everyone notices them. The main difference between these training contractions and real contractions is that Braxton Hicks do not cause the cervix to open. In other words, training contractions do not mean you are in labor [1]. No one really knows why these contractions occur at all.
How to distinguish Braxton Hicks contractions from real ones?
Unlike real contractions, which last 30-70 seconds and are repeated at regular intervals, training contractions are usually rare and irregular [2]. Their frequency does not increase over time.
In addition, they are relatively painless — during Braxton Hicks contractions, you may feel some discomfort in your abdomen, but nothing more. During labor, contraction pain is much more intense and affects the abdomen and the lower back. Training contractions often stop altogether if you shift your position, rest, or drink water. And labor contractions end only after childbirth. Before 37 weeks, though, don’t go by pain: if contractions or tightenings become regular or frequent, even if they’re painless, call your doctor or maternity unit right away.
