Braxton Hicks contractions

Definition

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, often painless uterine contractions that occur during pregnancy as a way for the uterus to prepare for labor. They do not signify the onset of actual labor but can begin as early as the second trimester.

Related terms

Labor contractions: These are regular, painful contractions that indicate the start of childbirth, leading to the dilation of the cervix.

Cervix:

The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina, which dilates during labor to allow a baby to be born.

Uterus:

A muscular organ in females where offspring are conceived and in which they gestate before birth; it plays a critical role in all stages of pregnancy, including labor and delivery