Which statement about Braxton Hicks contractions is true?

• A. They indicate true labor is starting
• B. They are irregular, fake contractions
• C. They cause progressive cervical dilation
• D. They occur only after labor begins

Answer: (B)

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, often described as practice or false labor contractions. They tend to come and go without a predictable pattern, and they usually don’t increase in intensity or become more frequent over time. Because of that, they don’t cause progressive cervical dilation, which is the hallmark of true labor. They can occur at any time during the later stages of pregnancy and are sometimes triggered by dehydration, fatigue, or a full bladder; resting, hydrating, or changing activity can lessen them.

In contrast, true labor contractions come at regular intervals, become stronger and longer, and occur closer together over time, with the cervix dilating as labor progresses. That distinction is why Braxton Hicks contractions are considered irregular, fake contractions rather than indicators that labor has begun.