Can You Experience Braxton-Hicks Contractions at 37-38 Weeks?
Yes, Braxton-Hicks contractions commonly occur at 37-38 weeks of gestation and are a normal physiological phenomenon, particularly in the third trimester. 1
What Are Braxton-Hicks Contractions at This Gestational Age?
Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular, generally uncomfortable but not painful uterine contractions that subside with rest, distinguishing them from true labor contractions. 1
Many women, especially in the third trimester, experience uterine activity (Braxton-Hicks contractions), which may become more intense or frequent with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. 1
At 37-38 weeks, you are at term (≥37 weeks), so these contractions are no longer associated with preterm labor concerns but represent normal preparatory uterine activity. 1
How to Distinguish Braxton-Hicks from True Labor
The key distinguishing features are:
Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular in timing, whereas true labor contractions occur at regular, progressively shorter intervals. 1
Braxton-Hicks contractions subside with rest or position changes, while true labor contractions persist and intensify regardless of activity level. 1
Braxton-Hicks are generally uncomfortable but not painful, whereas true labor contractions are progressively painful. 1
If you experience regular and painful uterine contractions, you should cease any physical activity and seek advice from a healthcare provider immediately. 1
Clinical Significance at 37-38 Weeks
Research demonstrates that women who perceive Braxton-Hicks contractions show higher fetal heart rate (135 bpm vs 128 bpm), lower long-term variability, and reduced number of accelerations on cardiotocography, suggesting these contractions may have physiological effects on fetal wellbeing. 2
Braxton-Hicks contractions can alter uteroplacental perfusion by causing temporary increases in impedance to blood flow, though this effect is typically well-tolerated in normal pregnancies at term. 3
Important Caveats
At 37-38 weeks, you are at term, so if contractions become regular and painful, this may represent the onset of true labor rather than false labor, and you should contact your healthcare provider for evaluation. 1
Women presenting with preterm labor symptoms earlier in pregnancy who are sent home with "false labor" have similar rates of early preterm birth but higher rates of late preterm birth (34-36 weeks), though this is not relevant at 37-38 weeks when delivery is appropriate. 4
The distinction between Braxton-Hicks and true labor becomes less clinically important at 37-38 weeks since delivery at this gestational age is safe and appropriate, unlike earlier in pregnancy when distinguishing false from true preterm labor has significant management implications. 1