What is the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor?

What is the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor?

• A. Braxton Hicks are regular and lead to cervical dilation
• B. Braxton Hicks are irregular and do not lead to cervical dilation
• C. True labor lasts longer than Braxton Hicks
• D. True labor occurs before Braxton Hicks

Answer: (B)

Braxton Hicks contractions are often described as "practice" contractions that a pregnant person experiences, typically starting in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. These contractions are irregular in nature, meaning that they do not occur at consistent intervals and can vary in intensity and duration. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks do not lead to cervical dilation or progression towards delivery. In contrast, true labor consists of regular contractions that gradually increase in frequency, intensity, and duration. These contractions are effective in causing cervical changes, including dilation and effacement, which are necessary for the progression to childbirth. Thus, understanding the characteristics of Braxton Hicks as being irregular and non-progressive helps in distinguishing them from the definitive signs of true labor.

Braxton Hicks contractions are often described as "practice" contractions that a pregnant person experiences, typically starting in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. These contractions are irregular in nature, meaning that they do not occur at consistent intervals and can vary in intensity and duration. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks do not lead to cervical dilation or progression towards delivery.

In contrast, true labor consists of regular contractions that gradually increase in frequency, intensity, and duration. These contractions are effective in causing cervical changes, including dilation and effacement, which are necessary for the progression to childbirth. Thus, understanding the characteristics of Braxton Hicks as being irregular and non-progressive helps in distinguishing them from the definitive signs of true labor.