If you’ve felt your belly tighten unexpectedly during pregnancy and wondered, “Was that a contraction?”— you’re not alone. Many expectant mothers experience strange, often confusing sensations called Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes as early as the second trimester. They can be surprising, a little uncomfortable and somewhat alarming the first time they happen. But rest assured, they’re a completely normal part of pregnancy.

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Think of Braxton Hicks as false contractions or “practice contractions” that help your body prepare for labor – but they don’t mean labor is coming soon. 

“Braxton Hicks contractions can start as early as 20 weeks but are more common in the weeks leading up to delivery,” says Nebraska Medicine OB-GYN nurse practitioner Jessica Gering, APRN-NP.

Unlike true labor contractions which come at regular intervals, grow stronger over time and lead to cervical dilation, Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular in timing and vary in intensity. While they’re not usually painful, they can be uncomfortable. Some people describe them as similar to menstrual cramps. 

“They’ll typically improve with rest, changing your activity, walking, taking a warm bath or practicing breathing exercises,” says Gering. 

What do they feel like? 

“Everyone feels Braxton Hicks contractions differently – someone may be having them without realizing it,” says Gering. “These are typically felt in the front of the abdomen, specifically the upper and lower uterus.”

Most often, Braxton Hicks are described as a tightening or squeezing in the front of the abdomen, specifically in the upper and lower parts of the uterus. Your belly might feel firm or hard to the touch for a short period, usually less than a minute.

You might notice Braxton Hicks more often:

• At the end of the day.
• After physical activity.
• If you’re dehydrated.
• After sex.
• When your bladder is full.

When to see a provider

Braxton Hicks are typically harmless, but it’s important to listen to your body. If something feels off, contact your health care provider right away.

If contractions become regular, stronger and closer together, you may be in true labor. 

“At full-term or 37 weeks, we typically use the 5-1-1 rule for labor contractions,” says Gering. “This means contractions are coming every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute or more, for at least 1 hour.”

Contact your provider right away if your contractions are accompanied by: 

• Vaginal bleeding.
• Severe abdominal pain.
• Decreased fetal movement.
• A sudden increase in contraction intensity.

The main takeaway

Braxton Hicks contractions are a normal, healthy part of pregnancy and don’t harm the fetus. Keep track of the timing of contractions to help determine if you’re in labor or not. Always check in with your provider if you’re unsure or concerned.