braxton hicks contractions: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low FrequencyMedical / Technical / Informal (Parenting Contexts)
Quick answer
What does “braxton hicks contractions” mean?
Sporadic, painless tightening of the uterus during pregnancy, often mistaken for the start of labour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Sporadic, painless tightening of the uterus during pregnancy, often mistaken for the start of labour.
Irregular, non-progressive uterine contractions that serve as practice or preparation for true labour, typically experienced in the second or third trimester.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties. Spelling of 'contractions' remains the same. The phrase is used with equal frequency and meaning.
Connotations
Neutral medical/factual term. In informal parenting contexts, can carry connotations of 'false alarm' or 'practice'.
Frequency
Equal frequency in medical and prenatal contexts; low frequency in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “braxton hicks contractions” in a Sentence
She {experienced/had/was having} Braxton Hicks contractions.The {contractions/tightenings} were just Braxton Hicks.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “braxton hicks contractions” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She started Braxton-Hicksing in her seventh month.
- I think I'm Braxton Hicksing.
American English
- She started Braxton-Hicksing around 30 weeks.
- I've been Braxton Hicksing all day.
adjective
British English
- She had a Braxton-Hicks episode this morning.
- It was just a Braxton-Hicks sensation.
American English
- She had a Braxton-Hicks episode last night.
- It felt like a Braxton-Hicks contraction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, nursing, and midwifery textbooks and research on pregnancy.
Everyday
Used in conversations among pregnant women, partners, and in prenatal classes.
Technical
Standard term in obstetrics, gynaecology, and antenatal care documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “braxton hicks contractions”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “braxton hicks contractions”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “braxton hicks contractions”
- Pronouncing 'Hicks' as /hiːks/ (it's /hɪks/).
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a Braxton Hicks' – it's typically plural 'contractions').
- Confusing them with true labour signs.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are typically described as painless but noticeable tightenings or discomfort, unlike the intense pain of true labour.
They can begin as early as the second trimester but are most common in the third trimester.
Braxton Hicks are irregular, don't increase in intensity or frequency, and often stop with movement or hydration. True labour contractions are regular, become stronger and closer together, and continue despite activity changes.
Dr. John Braxton Hicks (1823–1897) was an English physician who first described these contractions in medical literature in 1872.
Sporadic, painless tightening of the uterus during pregnancy, often mistaken for the start of labour.
Braxton hicks contractions is usually medical / technical / informal (parenting contexts) in register.
Braxton hicks contractions: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrækstən ˈhɪks kənˈtræk.ʃənz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbrækstən ˈhɪks kənˈtræk.ʃənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's just a dry run.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Braxton Hicks = 'Practice Fix' for the uterus before the real event.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREPARATION IS A REHEARSAL / THE BODY IS PRACTISING
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of Braxton Hicks contractions?