Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor: What’s Happening With Your Belly?!
Something’s going on with your belly, and you’re thinking: Is this labor? Is it Braxton Hicks? What even is this?!
Let’s break it all down, simplify things, and get you the clarity you need - because, let’s face it, you already have enough on your plate without trying to play detective with your uterus.
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Braxton Hicks are like your body’s way of warming up for the main event. These contractions help your uterus practice for labor, but they don’t mean it’s time to grab your hospital bag just yet.
Here’s how to recognize them:
More Tightening Than Pain: They feel like a squeeze from the sides of your belly. You might feel them in your lower abdomen or groin, and your belly may even change shape—rounding out and firming up before relaxing again.
Irregular Timing: These contractions are inconsistent and unpredictable. You might get one every 5 minutes for a bit, then a break for 20 minutes, then another at random. They’re here to tease, not commit!
Intensity Stays the Same: Unlike true labor, Braxton Hicks don’t grow stronger or more frequent over time. They’re mild and steady.
They Go Away: Try resting, drinking water, or emptying your bladder—Braxton Hicks often vanish with these simple changes.
But don’t underestimate their power to mess with your head. It’s common to think, “This has to be it!” only to fall asleep and wake up realizing it wasn’t.
What Makes True Labor Contractions Different?
True labor contractions don’t play games—they’re here to get the job done. These contractions are powered by oxytocin, a hormone released by your brain that kicks your uterus into high gear.
Here’s how you’ll know you’re dealing with true labor:
Regular and Consistent: True labor contractions develop a rhythm, getting closer together over time. They might start 8 minutes apart, then move to 6, then 4, and eventually 2 minutes apart.
Increasing Intensity: These contractions grow stronger with time, moving up the pain scale and demanding your attention.
Top-Down Pressure: Unlike Braxton Hicks, true labor contractions work from the top of your uterus downward, helping your baby move into position.
Cervical Changes: This is the big one - true labor contractions actively thin (efface) and open (dilate) your cervix, making way for your baby.
Unstoppable: No amount of rest, water, or snacks will make these contractions go away. They’re here to stay until baby makes their grand entrance.
Prodromal Labor and Irritable Uterus: The Curveballs
If Braxton Hicks and true labor weren’t confusing enough, there are two more things to know:
Prodromal Labor
This is labor that starts and stops. It’s not “false labor” because it’s your body genuinely preparing for delivery, but it doesn’t progress to active labor.
Can happen after 37 weeks.
Contractions might be regular and painful but then suddenly stop.
It’s exhausting and frustrating—especially when it tricks you into thinking it’s the real deal.
Irritable Uterus (IU)
IU feels like Braxton Hicks on steroids. You’ll experience regular, frequent contractions, but they don’t cause cervical changes.
These contractions can be stronger, longer, and more frequent than Braxton Hicks.
Unlike Braxton Hicks, IU contractions often don’t respond to rest or hydration.
If you’re experiencing either of these and are unsure what’s happening, always check with your healthcare provider.
When to Head to the Hospital
The golden rule for true labor is the 5-1-1 rule:
Contractions every 5 minutes,
Lasting 1 minute each,
For at least 1 hour consistently.
But don’t wait for contractions alone if you notice other concerns like water breaking, heavy bleeding, or reduced baby movement. Your provider can guide you based on your unique circumstances, including how far along you are, how close you live to the hospital, and your labor history.
A Quick Recap
Braxton Hicks:
Irregular, mild, and go away with rest or hydration.
No cervical changes.
A practice run for the real thing.
True Labor:
Regular, intense, and unstoppable.
Causes cervical changes (effacement and dilation).
Leads to baby’s arrival.
Prodromal Labor:
Painful and sometimes regular, but stops before progressing.
Irritable Uterus:
Frequent and strong contractions without cervical change.
Pregnancy can throw a lot at you, but understanding what’s happening in your body can help you feel more prepared. If you’re not sure about what you’re experiencing, trust your instincts and check in with your healthcare provider—they’re there to help you navigate these exciting (and sometimes confusing) final weeks.
