North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Resource to Master Your Midwifery Certification!

Braxton-Hicks contractions typically begin around 20 weeks of gestation. These are often referred to as “practice” contractions and can start occurring as the uterus prepares for labor. By this point in pregnancy, the body has had sufficient time to undergo hormonal changes and for the uterus to grow and develop, leading to periodic tightening. They can vary in frequency and intensity and are not a sign that labor is imminent.

Earlier in the pregnancy, such as at 4, 6, or 12 weeks, the body is still in the early stages of gestation, and the uterus is adapting to its new environment; thus, Braxton-Hicks contractions are not present during these times. Recognizing when these contractions typically begin can help expectant parents understand the signs of active labor versus the normal changes in the body during pregnancy.