Definition

Noun A sporadic, painless tightening of the uterine muscles that occurs during pregnancy. These contractions are a normal physiological process, often described as practice contractions, and they typically increase in frequency as the pregnancy progresses. They do not indicate the onset of true labor.

Usage

This term is used specifically in the context of obstetrics and pregnancy. It is a technical medical term but is commonly used by healthcare providers when speaking with pregnant individuals. It is typically used in the singular form to describe the phenomenon, though individual episodes are called "contractions."

Examples

• The doctor explained that the tightening she was feeling was just a Braxton-Hicks contraction and not a sign of early labor.
• Many women begin to notice Braxton-Hicks contractions in their third trimester.
• "Try drinking some water and lying down; that often eases a Braxton-Hicks contraction," the midwife advised.

Advanced Usage

• False Labor: Braxton-Hicks contractions are often colloquially referred to as "false labor" or "practice contractions" because they can mimic the sensation of true labor contractions but do not cause cervical dilation.
• Differentiation from True Labor: A key distinction is that true labor contractions become longer, stronger, and closer together over time, while Braxton-Hicks contractions are usually irregular and subside with rest or hydration.

Variants and Related Words

• Practice Contractions (n): A common layperson's term for Braxton-Hicks contractions.
• False Labor (n): A general term for uterine activity that resembles labor but does not result in childbirth.
• Uterine Contraction (n): The broader physiological term; Braxton-Hicks contractions are one specific type of uterine contraction.

Synonyms

• False labor pains
• Practice contractions
• Prodromal labor (Note: This term is sometimes used interchangeably but can imply contractions that are more frequent and intense, potentially leading to true labor sooner.)

Antonyms

• True labor contractions
• Active labor contractions

Noun

1. painless contractions of the muscles of the uterus that continue throughout pregnancy with increasing frequency