It’s true you could have contractions but not be in labor.

Think of Braxton Hicks as practice for the real thing.

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How to Tell When Labor Begins.https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/How-to-Tell-When-Labor-BeginsOpens a new window[Accessed April 2025]

Cleveland Clinic.

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Braxton Hicks Contractions.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22965-braxton-hicksOpens a new window[Accessed April 2025]

Kaiser Permanente.

Braxton Hicks Contractions.https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.braxton-hicks-contractions.hw195805Opens a new window[Accessed April 2025]

March of Dimes.

Contractions and signs of labor.https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/birth/contractions-and-signs-laborOpens a new window[Accessed April 2025]

Mayo Clinic.

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5 common questions about Braxton Hicks contractions.https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/5-common-questions-about-braxton-hicks-contractionsOpens a new window[Accessed April 2025]

MedLinePlus.

Am I in labor?

NIH Stat Pearls.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470546/Opens a new window[Accessed April 2025]

Office on Women’s Health.

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Karen Miles