Stronger Braxton Hicks contractions can indicate what?

Stronger Braxton Hicks contractions can indicate that true labor is approaching because these contractions, often referred to as "practice" contractions, become more noticeable and intense in the weeks leading up to labor. While Braxton Hicks contractions are a normal part of pregnancy and can start as early as the second trimester, their strength, frequency, and regularity can indicate that the body is preparing for the imminent onset of true labor. As pregnancy progresses, women may notice these contractions becoming more intense, which can be a sign that the body is gearing up for the actual labor process.

This preparation involves the softening and lengthening of the cervix (effacement), a process that does not occur during Braxton Hicks but can happen as the body transitions to true labor. It is important to differentiate that while these contractions become more prominent, they do not directly indicate cervical dilation or the end of pregnancy on their own but rather signal that the body is approaching the final stages of labor preparation.