Braxton Hicks contraction

Braxton Hicks contraction An irregular contraction of the womb (uterus) that occurs toward the middle of a woman’s first pregnancy and earlier, and more intensely, in her subsequent pregnancies. Braxton Hicks contractions tend to occur during physical activity. The uterus tightens for 30 to 60 seconds, beginning at the top of the uterus, and the contraction gradually spreads downward before the uterus relaxes. Braxton Hicks contractions may be quite uncomfortable and sometimes difficult to distinguish from the contractions of true labor.