What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are mild, irregular contractions of your uterus that typically occur during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Sometimes called “false labor,” they are a normal way that your body prepares to give birth.

Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable but are not usually painful. They’re also not harmful to you or your baby and don’t require medical treatment. Learning the signs can help you know if what you are experiencing is normal and when to call your doctor.

What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?

Braxton Hicks contractions may feel like a tightening sensation or cramps you have during your period; your belly tightens and then relaxes. You usually feel Braxton Hicks contractions in the front of your belly or another specific area.

Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable and sometimes (but not always) painful. They also usually occur sporadically and go away within a short timeframe, typically when you rest, drink water or change position.

Braxton Hicks vs. real contractions

It’s not always easy to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions. Your doctor can distinguish between the two because real contractions cause your cervix to dilate, a sign you’re about to give birth, while Braxton Hicks contractions do not.

Still, certain differences may help you determine if you’re having Braxton Hicks or real contractions.

Braxton Hicks contractions

  • Are unpredictable, lasting from a few seconds up to two minutes
  • Cause pain or discomfort in a specific area (usually the front) of your belly or lower back
  • Do not increase in frequency
  • Go away when you rest, drink water or change position
  • May start as early as your second trimester
  • Occur at irregular intervals and eventually stop
  • Tend to be milder, less intense and less regular than true labor contractions

Real labor contractions

  • Are strong and regular
  • Cause intense pain that makes it difficult to walk or talk
  • Do not go away or become less painful when you rest, hydrate or change positions
  • Increase in frequency and intensity as you get closer to delivering your baby
  • Last 30 to 90 seconds
  • May occur with other symptoms, such as blood discharge or your water breaking
  • Start in your lower back or belly and radiate toward the front of your belly
  • Usually begin in your third trimester or when your due date is getting close

When do Braxton Hicks contractions start?

Braxton Hicks contractions are thought to start as early as the sixth week of pregnancy, but you likely won’t feel them until the second trimester at the earliest. Most women begin to notice them in the third trimester.

Some women do not notice Braxton Hicks contractions at all. These contractions occur during all pregnancies, but you might not be aware of them.

What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?

Although doctors don’t know what causes Braxton Hicks contractions, they’re thought to help your body prepare for pregnancy.

During a Braxton Hicks contraction, muscles tighten and relax, which helps tone your uterus. The contractions may also help improve blood flow. They cause blood to move to the placenta and deliver oxygen-rich blood to your baby.

Some activities may increase your baby’s need for oxygen, which may trigger the contraction. These may include:

  • Being dehydrated
  • Having a full bladder
  • Having sex
  • Physical activity

How to relieve Braxton Hicks contractions

Taking time to rest, relax and drink enough fluid is often enough to ease your contractions. You might find they go away if you change your position or activity level.

If you have been very active, lie down for a nap. If you have been sitting for a long time, you might want to move or take a walk. Be mindful of avoiding potential triggers by:

  • Being mindful when you have sex: Most women with healthy pregnancies do not need to avoid sex, but if sex causes uncomfortable contractions, you can wait for the discomfort to pass or try relaxation techniques.
  • Drinking water: Drinking plenty of fluid (eight to 12 cups per day) will help you stay healthy during pregnancy. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as dark-colored urine, a dry mouth, or feeling dizzy or faint.
  • Engaging in light to moderate exercise: Walking and other moderate-intensity activities are usually safe and can help keep you and your baby healthy. Stop if you experience regular contractions, pain, bleeding, dizziness or shortness of breath.
  • Urinating regularly: This can reduce pressure on your bladder.

Find specialized maternity care close to home

Whether it’s determining if you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions or you’re ready to deliver, the compassionate and dedicated OBGYNs at our specialized maternity centers in North and Central Texas are by your side to guide you as your family grows.

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Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney

5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071

888.7 mi Directions
Call 469.764.1000
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Rockwall

Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Rockwall

1005 W Ralph Hall Pkwy Ste 115, Rockwall, TX, 75032

892.5 mi Directions
Call 469.800.3030
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Rowlett

Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Rowlett

9500 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088

892.9 mi Directions
Call 469.800.2575
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe

6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088

892.9 mi Directions
Call 972.520.8000
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Frisco at PGA Parkway

Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Frisco at PGA Parkway

16050 Everwell Ln Professional Pavilion I, Ste 200, Frisco, TX, 75033

895.4 mi Directions
Call 972.817.4060
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway

7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033

895.5 mi Directions
Call 945.339.1000
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Frisco

Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Frisco

4461 Coit Rd Ste 205, Frisco, TX, 75035

897.2 mi Directions
Call 972.817.1249
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial

12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035

897.2 mi Directions
Call 469.764.8000
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Garland

Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Garland

530 Clara Barton Blvd Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75042

900.1 mi Directions
Call 972.494.2400
Closed
  • Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco

5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034

900.7 mi Directions
Call 214.407.5000
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano

4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093

902.3 mi Directions
Call 469.814.2000
Baylor Scott & White Park Lane OB/GYN Associates

Baylor Scott & White Park Lane OB/GYN Associates

9101 N Central Expy Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75231

907.1 mi Directions
Call 214.826.2979
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Dallas

Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Dallas

4020 Junius St , Dallas, TX, 75246

910.6 mi Directions
Call 972.961.1685
Closed
  • Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Women's Health Group

Baylor Scott & White Women's Health Group

3600 Gaston Ave Wadley Tower, Ste 1158, Dallas, TX, 75246

910.8 mi Directions
Call 469.800.9290
Closed
  • Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health

Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health

3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246

910.9 mi Directions
Call 214.820.0111
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving

1901 N MacArthur Blvd , Irving, TX, 75061

917.5 mi Directions
Call 972.990.8100
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine

1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051

919.6 mi Directions
Call 817.481.1588
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Grapevine

Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Grapevine

1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 370, Grapevine, TX, 76051

919.6 mi Directions
Call 817.912.8330
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Women’s Health Specialists - Waxahachie

Baylor Scott & White Women’s Health Specialists - Waxahachie

2460 N Interstate 35E Ste 165, Waxahachie, TX, 75165

929.6 mi Directions
Call 972.817.8150
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Waxahachie

Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Waxahachie

2460 N Interstate 35E Ste 225, Waxahachie, TX, 75165

929.6 mi Directions
Call 972.817.8070
Closed
  • Monday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie

2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165

929.7 mi Directions
Call 469.843.4000
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth

Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

939.8 mi Directions
Call 817.926.2544
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest

100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712

984.3 mi Directions
Call 254.202.2000
Baylor Scott & White OB/GYN Clinic - Waco

Baylor Scott & White OB/GYN Clinic - Waco

120 Hillcrest Medical Blvd Office Building 2, Ste 201-2, Waco, TX, 76712

984.4 mi Directions
Call 254.202.6000
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie

800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845

988.2 mi Directions
Call 979.207.3300
Closed
  • Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station

700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845

988.2 mi Directions
Call 979.207.0100
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Santa Fe

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Santa Fe

1402 W Ave H , Temple, TX, 76504

1010.2 mi Directions
Call 254.771.8411
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Monday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple

2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508

1012.0 mi Directions
Call 254.724.2111
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple

2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508

1012.0 mi Directions
Call 254.724.2111
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple Professional Plaza II

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple Professional Plaza II

1713 SW H K Dodgen Loop Bldg II, Ste 100, Temple, TX, 76502

1012.7 mi Directions
Call 254.771.8100
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham

700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833

1014.7 mi Directions
Call 979.337.5000
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Brenham Hwy 290

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Brenham Hwy 290

604 US 290 , Brenham, TX, 77833

1017.5 mi Directions
Call 979.337.5400
Closed
  • Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Salado

Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Salado

213 Millcreek Dr Ste 190, Salado, TX, 76571

1025.1 mi Directions
Call 254.947.7900
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Harker Heights

Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Harker Heights

907 Mountain Lion Cir , Harker Heights, TX, 76548

1026.1 mi Directions
Call 254.953.7750
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Killeen Hemingway

Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Killeen Hemingway

2405 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549

1030.1 mi Directions
Call 254.618.1888
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock

300 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665

1050.1 mi Directions
Call 512.509.0100
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 302 University

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 302 University

302 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665

1050.1 mi Directions
Call 512.509.0200
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center (Building 1)

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center (Building 1)

2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Bldg 1, Ste 200, Pflugerville, TX, 78660

1051.1 mi Directions
Call 512.654.6500
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Monday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center Building 2

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center Building 2

2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Building 2, Pflugerville, TX, 78660

1051.1 mi Directions
Call 512.654.6500
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Pflugerville (Building 1)

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Pflugerville (Building 1)

2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Bldg 1, Ste 100, Pflugerville, TX, 78660

1051.4 mi Directions
Call 512.654.6100
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Cedar Park

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Cedar Park

910 E Whitestone Blvd , Cedar Park, TX, 78613

1057.7 mi Directions
Call 512.260.6100
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin North Burnet

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin North Burnet

2608 Brockton Dr , Austin, TX, 78758

1059.4 mi Directions
Call 512.654.4050
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin

5245 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd , Austin, TX, 78735

1071.8 mi Directions
Call 512.654.2100
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway

100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738

1073.3 mi Directions
Call 512.654.5000
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Lakeway

Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Lakeway

200 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738

1073.3 mi Directions
Call 512.654.1234
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Buda

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Buda

5330 Overpass Rd , Buda, TX, 78610

1078.6 mi Directions
Call 737.999.6200
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Marble Falls

Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Marble Falls

800 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654

1079.7 mi Directions
Call 830.201.7100
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Marble Falls

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Marble Falls

810 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654

1080.0 mi Directions
Call 830.201.8000

Frequently asked questions

  • Do Braxton Hicks contractions hurt?

    Braxton Hicks contractions can hurt, but most women find they cause more discomfort than pain. These contractions are often compared to mild period cramps.

  • How early can you have Braxton Hicks contractions?

    You can have Braxton Hicks contractions as early as the sixth week of your pregnancy, but you probably won’t feel them until your second or third trimesters.

  • How frequently do Braxton Hicks contractions occur?

    Braxton Hicks contractions occur at irregular intervals, unlike real labor contractions. They can come every few minutes, but they can also come and go at unpredictable times.

    If you’re concerned you may be having real contractions, write down how often your contractions occur. Real contractions get closer and closer together as your body prepares to give birth. Braxton Hicks contractions do not.

  • Are Braxton Hicks contractions normal?

    Yes, Braxton Hicks contractions are normal. They occur in all pregnancies, but not all women feel them. They usually become more common as you approach your due date.

  • Do Braxton Hicks contractions cause dilation?

    No, Braxton Hicks contractions do not cause dilation. Only true labor contractions cause your cervix to dilate.

  • Can Braxton Hicks turn into real contractions?

    No, Braxton Hicks do not turn into real contractions, but they can occur before you go into labor. Braxton Hicks contractions can come and go, but they don’t cause the cervix to dilate, which occurs when labor starts.

  • How long can a Braxton Hicks contraction last?

    Braxton Hicks contractions can last from a few seconds to up to two minutes. It can be difficult to predict how long they will last.

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