Uterine contractions felt by women during later pregnancy but are not true labor contractions.
Contractions of the uterus which occur throughout a pregnancy and become more frequent and stronger towards the end [After Dr Braxton-Hicks, 19th century British physician].
Irregular, nonpainful contractions occurring after the first trimester of pregnancy.
Mild contractions of the uterus during the final weeks of pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions, named for the doctor who first described them, are not true labor contractions, although they are often mistaken for them. Mild, irregular, and usually painless, Braxton Hicks contractions last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Also known as false labor, they do not indicate the start of true labor but are a sign that the body is preparing for it.
False labor. These contractions are not true labor pains because they do not cause dilation and effacement of the cervix, but are often interpreted as such.
During the course of pregnancy, expectant mothers may experience periodic contractions characterized by the constricting sensation in the uterine region or abdominal area. These contractions, commonly referred to as Braxton Hicks contractions, are not accompanied by any modifications to the cervix and are often known as “false labor” or “practice contractions.”