Which statement describes Braxton Hicks contractions?

• A. Often disappear with ambulation or sleep
• B. They become regular and predictable
• C. They begin irregularly but become regular and predictable
• D. They start in the lower back and radiate to abdomen

Answer: (A)

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, non-progressive “practice” contractions of the uterus. They don’t establish a pattern or lead to labor. Because they aren’t part of a true labor process, they often disappear with changes in activity or rest. Moving around, walking, or lying down can cause them to fade, which is why the statement that they often vanish with ambulation or sleep is the best description.

In contrast, true labor contractions become regular and more frequent over time and do not go away with activity or sleep; they tend to intensify rather than fade. They’re also described as starting in the back and radiating to the abdomen for some people, which is not characteristic of Braxton Hicks. The idea that these contractions begin irregularly but then become regular also points to labor rather than Braxton Hicks.