How long after Braxton Hicks does labor start?

Jade - posted on 05/08/2013

C. - posted on 12/12/2009

No, not necessarily. I never had Braxton Hicks contractions with my son but my oldest sister has with hers (well, at least her 1st baby anyway). I think hers started around 34 weeks. She had to be induced at 36 weeks I think, b/c she's Diabetic. But just b/c you have them doesn't mean that the baby will come soon after. They typically start around the 28th week, but can start as early as the second month in some women. They are just practice contractions. But you will notice that if they get more frequent and more intense, you may be getting ready to go into labor. If that happens just do what your doctor says and time them (though I never really "timed" mine b/c I started getting contractions on my due date and never had them before so I knew my son would soon be on his way :). But every woman and every pregnancy is different. Just keep track of them and if you're concerned, call your doctor and ask for a quick consultation over the phone. They should be able to tell you whether or not you're about ready if you tell them how far apart they are. Good luck!!!

Andrea - posted on 12/12/2009

with my first had them arounf 30 weeks and had him at 37 weeks, he is now 2 years old. Second baby ( girl) started at 32 weeks and had her at 36 weeks.. So in my case it they were making things change.. I went in and was at 2cm and 50% thined with both kids at 35 weeks.. Went in to hospital at 3 to 4cm and 85% thinned out.. Was in labor for 4 1/2 hours with both.. did it all natrual.. Hope this is helpful.. Best wishes to you and your family and take care..

Melissa - posted on 12/12/2009

braxton started around 25 weeks, i delivered at 40 weeks

Kayley - posted on 12/12/2009

Braxton hicks contractions can start in the beginning of pregnancy, most of the time they dont lead to labor or dilate the cervix.



Mine started at 18 weeks and I delivered at 40w 1d

I also had false labor for about 2 weeks leading up to my due date...but they were real contractions.

Stevie - posted on 12/12/2009

no no no i have braxton hicks threw out my whole pregnancy(s) they can start the second you get pregnant its the real ones that the baby comes lol well i cant say that with my first i didnt have any real contractions but they werent braxtion hicks either lol

Melissa - posted on 12/12/2009

In my case, no it was not true. I started having braxton hicks contractions around 6 1/2 7 months. i did not deliver until my due date (on time baby lol). so i had false labor contractions for 3 months and then my last 2 weeks i was in real labor, it was just a really slow process for me. but luckily the delivery was real fast. after being in the hospital for an hr and half, i delivered my daughter in 8 min. sorry if this doesnt help you, but thats just how it went for me. it may be completely different for you. good luck!

Brandy - posted on 12/12/2009

My first pregnancy, I didn't have very much BH but the ones I did have were in the last 2 months. This pregnancy, I started having BH at 19 weeks and have them very frequently. I am 35 weeks right now and no signs of labor yet! They can start anywhere from around 20 weeks on and don't mean labor is coming soon. Some women never even have them. But the good news is that BH contractions are actually your uterus muscles practicing for labor so the more you have, the smoother your labor should go.

Kimberly - posted on 12/12/2009

I had Braxton Hicks somewhere around 22-24 weeks. I went all the way to 38 weeks so I don't think the Braxton Hicks is a clear sign that labor is starting.

Coralyn - posted on 12/12/2009

had my baby at 39 weeks. braxton hicks started about 33 weeks.

Tarah - posted on 12/12/2009

I had braxton hicks from 19 weeks and my baby was born at 39 weeks.

Rebecca - posted on 12/12/2009

I had them when i was about 37weeks and my son came on my due date so i carried till the 40 week term. Everyone is different and some braxton hicks contractions do not even dilate the cervix at all.

Rebecca - posted on 12/12/2009

With my first child i had braxton hicks from 24weeks on...i went in to labor at 33 weeks after having sex...i know TMI...and i was in labor for 4 days and the Dr's kept stopping it. I was induced at 39w 4d as i was in so much pain from the 33 week labor as it was all back labor. I was in labor for 8.5 hours from start to birth when induced...with my second i never had bratonx kicks until about 30 weeks and they weren't as bad as with my frist. I was induced with her also at 39weeks as my husband is military and we wanted to make sure he was here. I was in labor for 2.5 hours from beginning to birth this time. How far along are you? Any problems with your pregnancy? With my first i had Hyperemesis so they say it caused the preterm labor as well as the sex and i needed my wisdom teeth removed which can also cause preterm labor.

Good luck and Congrats!

Kimberly - posted on 12/12/2009

I had Braxton Hicks somewhere around 22-24 weeks. I went all the way to 38 weeks so I don't think the Braxton Hicks is a clear sign that labor is starting.