What is a characteristic finding in a patient experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions?

Braxton-Hicks contractions are often referred to as "practice contractions" that can occur during pregnancy, typically beginning in the second trimester and continuing until delivery. A defining feature of these contractions is that they are a normal occurrence during pregnancy. They are usually infrequent and irregular, helping the body prepare for labor without signaling its onset.

The normalcy of Braxton-Hicks contractions helps reassure both patients and providers that they are a routine part of the physiological changes that occur in the body as it prepares for childbirth. Understanding this normal aspect of pregnancy helps in differentiating between these benign contractions and signs of preterm labor or other complications.

In contrast, increased intensity over time, regular intervals, and painful episodes are characteristics more typically associated with true labor contractions rather than Braxton-Hicks, which are generally not associated with significant discomfort or a predictable pattern.