by Danelle Karth

Created on: March 20, 2009

They say that every woman and every pregnancy is different. No two are the same in how they feel, the events that take place, and how things grow. This is even true with Braxton Hicks contractions or "practice" contractions. While they always the tightening of the uterus they aren't always the same.

As a pregnancy develops a lot of changes happen. One thing that happens for most women is that their uterus "practices" contractions. These mini contractions or painless contractions are called Braxton Hicks contractions (named after Dr. John Braxton Hicks who first described them in 1872). They usually begin at about 6 weeks, but most women don't feel them until after 20 weeks of pregnancy, if at all.

How they feel is hard to describe because it isn't the same each woman, each pregnancy, or even each time you feel them. For the most part these contractions are a tightening of the uterus. They feel like squeezing and may even start at the top of the belly and work their way down. They usually don't hurt, but they can be uncomfortable. They should be fairly irregular and should not increase in intensity or get closer together. As time goes on, they should begin to fade and eventually cease.

On average Braxton Hicks contractions should last 20-60 seconds each. They should come fairly far apart and there should only be a few an hour or so. However, sometimes you will have a few right on top of each other and then they will go away completely.

A few terms often used to describe Braxton Hicks contractions include irregular in intensity, infrequent, unpredictable, non-rhythmic, more uncomfortable then painful, they do not increase in frequency or intensity, and they tapper off and then disappear. However, they could happen for a few hours and as your pregnancy progresses they could also happen more and more often.

As time goes on they may pick up in intensity and even become painful as you get closer to delivery. This is your body preparing for labor. However, this doesn't mean that the baby is coming yet. These contractions should also not get any stronger, longer, or closer together.

One good way to distinguish between Braxton Hicks and true labor is to walk around or sit down. Often changing your position, what you are doing, or taking a shower or bath will ease the Braxton Hicks contractions. This can also ease some discomfort or pain associated with the contractions.

They say practice makes perfect. If that is true then it is probably a good thing that your body is practicing to have a baby. After all, you are wanting to do it well!

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