Contractions

There are two types of contractions that occur during pregnancy: Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor contractions. These contractions differ in their intensity, duration, and ability to be relieved by changing position.

 

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are the contractions that start occurring during the final months of pregnancy. In a sense, they are nothing more than practice contractions. These Braxton Hicks contractions are different from true labor contractions in that they are not associated with dilation or thinning of the cervix. Instead, Braxton Hicks contractions are seen with false labor. They are your body's way of getting ready for true labor.
 
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular in occurrence and are normally painless. These contractions appear unpredictably and sporadically, and can be rhythmic and of mild intensity. In the last month of pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions may occur more frequently -- sometimes every 10 to 20 minutes -- and with greater intensity than before.
 

True Labor Contractions (Birth Contractions)

It's often impossible to say exactly when "true" labor begins.
 In some women, the early contractions of true labor may feel like the Braxton Hicks contractions that have been going on for a few weeks. The only sure signs of labor are consistent contractions of the uterus that become increasingly longer, stronger, and closer together. The contractions may be as far apart as every 10 minutes or so in the beginning, but they won't stop or ease up no matter what you do. In time, the birth contractions become more painful and closer together. In some cases, however, the onset of strong, regular contractions comes with little or no warning -- it's different for every woman and with every pregnancy.
 
You should call your doctor if you experience any of these signs of true labor:
 
  • The contractions intensify with activity (rather than easing up) and aren't relieved with a change in position
  • Pain begins in the lower back and spreads to the lower abdomen or vice versa
  • Contractions become increasingly more frequent and painful -- sometimes, the contractions also become more regular, but not always
  • "Bloody show" (cervical mucus) is present and pinkish or blood-streaked
  • Your membranes rupture (the "water breaks").
     

Comparing Braxton Hicks Contractions to True Labor Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions typically differ from true labor contractions in the following ways:
 
Braxton Hicks Contractions (False Labor)
Signs of Braxton Hicks contractions include the following:
 
  • The contractions don't get closer together
  • The contractions don't get stronger
  • They are usually only in the front
  • They ease up with activity and are relieved with a change in position
  • The cervix doesn't change with contractions.
     
True Labor Contractions
Signs of contractions associated with true labor include the following:
 
  • The contractions do get closer together and more painful
  • The contractions get stronger
  • The contractions start in the lower back and spread to the lower abdomen or vice versa
  • The contractions intensify with activity and are not relieved with a change in position
  • The cervix thins and dilates.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD