I am thirty years old female, with 22 weeks of pregnancy. This is my third pregnancy and have two kids. During my second pregnancy I started to feel Braxton Hicks around 6 th month of pregnancy and at the seventh month I had preterm labour pain. I was put on complete bed rest for a month and in the beginning of the ninth month I gave birth to a baby. Now this is my third pregnancy, I have started Braxton Hicks again in 18 weeks. Had scanning in 21 weeks and everything seems to be normal with proper cervical length. Should I start taking medicines for preterm labour pain or is it normal.

Dr. Jagtap T NGeneral Physician38yrs exp

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Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as prodromal labor or practice contractions, or false labor, are sporadic uterine contractions that sometimes start around six weeks into a pregnancy.[1] However, they are not usually felt until the second trimester or third trimester of pregnancy.[2] Braxton Hicks contractions are often infrequent, irregular, and involve only mild cramping.[2] As pregnancy goes on, Braxton Hicks contractions go from unnoticeable amounts of pain signals to irregular, infrequent cramping to strong frequent cramping and then finally labor pains. Braxton Hicks contractions are a tightening of the uterine muscles for one to two minutes and are thought to be an aid to the body in its preparation for birth.[3] Not all expectant mothers feel these contractions. They are not thought to be part of the process of effacement of the cervix. Alleviating factors[edit] Dehydration can make muscles spasm, bringing on a contraction, and is thought to be a factor in extended Braxton Hicks contractions. Adequate hydration can alleviate Braxton Hicks contractions. Rhythmic breathing may alleviate the discomfort of Braxton Hicks contractions. Lying down on the left side can help ease the pain of contractions. A slight change in movement sometimes makes the contractions disappear. A full bladder can sometimes trigger Braxton Hicks, so urination may end the contractions. 

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