What is a Braxton Hicks Contraction?
A Braxton Hicks contraction is a contraction of the uterus that is normally painless, but can sometimes be quite irritating. It consists of a localized tightening in your belly, which does not travel, but stays in one spot. These are considered to be practice contractions, to prepare you for the real thing when labor does start. Braxton Hicks contractions can be intense enough to take your breath away, and make you stop and take notice, but they generally do not cause any change in your cervix, nor are they a sign of preterm labor. How Do I Know it is Not the Real Thing? If you uterus is contracting, but there is no pain, especially prior to the last few weeks of pregnancy, it is probably just a normal Braxton Hicks contraction. If you are in the third trimester, and close to delivering, you may question them more. To see if your contractions go away, or are the start of the real thing, try changing position in bed or on the couch. If you are walking around, sit down and rest and visa
